Christian Giving Is Mission (part 4)

Christian Giving Is Mission

Jesus was on a mission: to expend his life restoring the world to glorious peace with God. One Day, finally, in his Kingdom there will be complete wholeness and happiness for God’s people in his presence forever. Until that Day, Christians are to adopt their King’s mission in this world. This means we don’t just give to missions, but that Christian giving, in and of itself, is the mission to which we are called: to give all that we have for the sake of the Gospel. Jesus Christ gives life to the dead, both spiritually and physically; Christians can imitate him, however humbly, by giving of themselves to the spiritual and physical welfare of others.
- Eric Costa

Christian Giving is Love (part 3)

Christian Giving Is Love

God gives to some people much more than they need, while he allows others to suffer want. Does he grant wealth solely for the consumption of the rich? No. He means for those who have to give to those who have not. He gives to you so that you can give to others. In doing this, Christians participate in God’s merciful love, which we ourselves have received freely and undeservedly in Christ. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” If you can see yourself in the poor—if you can see Jesus there!—then let your love be genuine. Work hard to meet their needs. -Eric Costa