Christian Writers Circle

Freedom in Christ to Give
Treasure His Transformational Gift

by Brenda D. Flowers

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift (which is precious beyond words)! (2 Corinthians 9:15, AMP)

In recent times in America (2012), the Tuesday after Thanksgiving has been labeled “Giving Tuesday”. Since its origin, many organizations (including Christian non-profits) have embraced this day as a wonderful opportunity to reach out to possible donors to raise funds for their causes.

I’ll be honest, when I first heard about “Giving Tuesday”, I welcomed the shift of focus from buying and selfish getting to a focus on giving.

On “Giving Tuesday” this year,  I thought about the many ministries seeking funds, many through my email box. I felt somewhat overwhelmed…There were so many requests for donations!

A part of me wanted to give to all the ministries requesting donations, but I knew that wouldn’t be wise. I prayed about which ones to support. I didn’t want to impulsively give, just to check off my “Give” box on my “To Do List.”  I could feel myself being tempted to not even consider giving.

As I prayed, God’s peace guided me to which ministries to support. 

Yet, deep down, I felt challenged. Was I supporting them in ways that could truly impact them?

God gives us freedom to give, but He counsels us by His Spirit so we may give wisely. He gives each of us resources to steward. As our provider, I believe God wants us to see opportunities to give every day of the year. God will guide us as to whom and how to give, when we ask Him.

Many individuals, schools, organizations and companies long to receive transformational gifts, especially during “The Giving Season. ”Transformational gifts go beyond the basic transaction of large amounts of money. Often such a gift is given so the donor may be involved and have a great impact on an organization or an individual’s mission.

I wonder how many people truly realize the transformational gift God, Our Heavenly Father, has given to us in His Son, Jesus.

Many non-Christians have most likely heard or seen these words somewhere, especially during the Christmas season:  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16, NKJV)

I wonder how many people, even professing Christians, have heard or read the next verse:  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:17, NKJV)

I pray Holy Spirit will soften hearts so these words will be grasped as truth.

We can trust God’s Word. I have faith there is One True God who wants to give this transformational gift of Jesus Christ to each human being.

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He is more valuable than large sums of money or any other gift we can imagine.

God’s gift truly transforms us. When we trust and profess Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, we become new creatures in Him, receiving His Resurrection Life to rule and reign with Him in His glorious Kingdom.

We must receive God’s gift by faith. He gives us the freedom to believe in Him, embrace His mission and accept that He can transform us into His image, reflecting His character.

God invests in us by giving His Spirit to help us mature in faith and complete our mission as His Image-bearers. He provides Grace to share the Gospel message and the power to live our lives faithfully, giving Him all the glory.

I love times of peace and quiet this time of year when I have moments away from the hustle and bustle to focus on God in praise, thanksgiving, prayer and journaling what He teaches me. These intimate times with Him are a treasure!

God is revealing to me the importance and value of not only these intimate times but also getting out of my comfort zone to invest in people.

When on earth, Jesus invested in people, following the will of His Father. He completed His mission on earth and passed the torch.

Reader, Jesus loves you this I know and I do, too. May the joy of the Lord fill your heart to overflowing this Christmas.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your transformational gift in giving Your Son to the world. Please draw many to Jesus to be His faithful followers. In His mighty name I pray. Amen