Ministry of Giving: How to give during a Pandemic

The entire chapter of 2 Corinthians 9 speaks about the importance of giving and how we should give. Did you know that giving is a ministry? When we give, God is glorified. Others offer thanks to the Father for what we have done; our gift-giving causes a ripple effect.

Now, some may say, this season we are in leaves no room to give. You might even say, Giving is a luxury I cannot afford to partake. My family is barely making it. I’m standing in the unemployment line, food line, and any line that will help ease the strain of not having enough. This pandemic has taken too much, including loved ones. How in the world can I give when I have nothing to spare? Right now, I cannot give.

But I beg to differ. Instead of looking at what we don’t have or not having enough, how about we look at other ways we can give.

Giving is not always about money, though it’s terrific to provide financial blessings and receive them. However, I will agree with you. Right now, financially, I can’t give like I desire to; but with the little I have, I can give something. It may not be a lot, but God takes little and make much. Think about the little boy who gave his small lunch, and it fed over 5,000 people (John 6:9-11).

“There’s a young boy here with five barley loaves and two fish. But what good is that with this huge crowd?” 10 “Tell everyone to sit down,” Jesus said. So they all sat down on the grassy slopes. (The men alone numbered about 5,000.) 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks to God, and distributed them to the people. Afterward he did the same with the fish. And they all ate as much as they wanted.”

John 6:9-11, NLT

The above passage has already shown us that, aside from money, there are different methods we can give. Remember, when we give generously, we reap abundantly (2 Cor. 9:6).

How can we give generously in the middle of a pandemic? 

We can give encouragement. Say something kind. Speak words that will build up another, lift their spirits. All of us could use some encouragement right now.

We can give forgiveness. Notice how “give” is strategically positioned in the center of that word? Who have you not forgiven? What unforgiveness have we carried from 2021? Make a conscious decision to forgive. Forgiveness frees us from the pain, heartache, gloom, and reliving the past. Let’s do it for ourselves! Here’s a perfect opportunity where being selfish is warranted!

We can give time. In other words, give someone another chance. Show mercy and grace. You know both go hand in hand.

Give patience to your little one or those who have difficulty understanding. Give kindness. Kindness goes a long way. Give compassion.

We can give an apology. We have wronged someone and have failed to apologize. People need to hear us say, “I’m sorry” (and really mean it.). We can give support. Let the person know that you are there for them. Show them that you genuinely want to help and you care.

There are many approaches we can take to give unselfishly. Think about it. I’m sure you can come up with at least five more ways to give without money being involved. On the other hand, and I’ll repeat this. If you can sow a financial seed, please do so! Be a blessing simply because you can.

Lastly, this is the most beautiful thing you and I can give. It never runs out. It’s always available. Everyone has it to offer. It’s worth more than rubies or any fine jewels. It is more valuable than all the money in the world, yet it doesn’t cost us anything. In fact, giving this away is priceless. No matter how much money you have, it can’t be bought. You can never have enough, and it’s worth more than life itself. Want to know what it is?

It’s love!

Love is free! Love breaks barriers. Love transforms hearts, minds, and lives. Love is powerful! We all can freely give love extravagantly and still have plenty left to share. Love is a precious, incredible gift. It cannot be contained. It never dies and never fails. Love is the most excellent gift we can give to anyone and everyone.

So here’s my question and challenge to you. When was the last time you gave love unselfishly, without stipulations? How many people do you pass by daily that could really use love? Is there someone you know who needs love?

Here’s the challenge:

Today, make it your mission to give unconditional love to everyone you see and meet. Want to know the actual definition of unconditional love? Paul gives an exceptional description of love in 1 Corinthians chapter 13.

Wondering what unconditional love looks like? Want to see a perfect example of unconditional love in action? Read the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. There is a Man by the name of Jesus who is the epitome of unconditional love, the most original form. Read His story. Then, give love the way He faithfully did and does consistently.

Let’s pray this prayer together:

Dear Father, I am lacking in giving. I have selfishly held tight to things. You commanded me to release and give freely. Forgive me. Teach me how to give unbegrudgingly. I want to be a cheerful giver. One who delights in being a blessing to others by way of giving. May I be more like my Savior, Jesus Christ, and give lavishly. For I understand, according to Your Word, giving is a ministry. And when I give, You are glorified. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

May we remember to give generously!

Let’s walk in freedom together!

Your sis,

Rhovonda