There are many ways you can give. I challenge you to find as many ways as possible to give this day away! Here are some ideas:
You can give your time: You could volunteer as a Salvation Army bell ringer. If you'd like your gift of time to keep giving, consider volunteering at a local shelter or humane society. Your local church is probably looking for volunteers for various ministries. It really doesn't matter where you give your time, just give it in Jesus' name!
You can give your money: What are you passionate about? There are so many charities out there and they all need help. Do you have a burden for a particular country or problem? This year alone, we have had multiple natural disasters, the most devastating being Typhoon Haiyan. Check out Charity Navigator or Guidestar for the best charities. If a charity is not listed, any legitimate, honest charity will make their financial report available to you upon request.
There is a debate about the appropriateness of a donation made to a charity in luau of a traditional gift, and my best answer for that is that it depends upon the recipient.
If the donation is made to a charity or cause that the recipient is passionate about, the donation gift will likely be received well because you gave the donation in a personal, thoughtful way.
If you don't know the person well enough to know what they like, then maybe you should give that person the gift of your time and friendship. If you don't want to know them better, then maybe you've found someone to re-gift that fruitcake to ;) just kidding!
Here is one example of a donation that should be well received:
You can give forgiveness and grace! Forgiving someone does not change the wrong that was done to you in the past, but it does change your future. The bible says that God knew us before we were born, and knew we would need forgiveness. God created the gift of Jesus for us before we existed because he chose to forgive us BEFORE we ever asked him to forgive us. Give that same grace to someone today. It won't be easy, but the cross wasn't easy either.
You can give your resources: Do you have an unused coat hanging in your closet? Local Vicksburg Residents can drop kid's coats off at River Region or Atwood or to the Mission. Give gently used toys, household items, and clothes while doing some needed holiday de-cluttering!
You can give your respect: Thank a veteran for serving our country, bake cookies and thank local firefighters or policemen in person for protecting our property and streets. Be nice to the cashier that seems to have had a bad day. Look into the eyes of a homeless person and smile.
You can give labor: Do you have special talents that you can give? Can you change the oil in a single mother's car? Change the lightbulbs in an ederly person's apartment? Cook dinner for someone? The ideas are endless.
You can give prayers: Pray for the sick, lost, and hurting.
Don't let the giving end today! Give everyday!
Try to give like God gave. He gave the perfect gift. He gave a gift that keeps on giving. He gave a priceless gift that is more precious than diamonds. He gave to those he knew so well that he knew our greatest need. He gave a gift with no intention of getting anything in return. Giving Jesus was a sacrifice like none other. God is the most thoughtful gift giver. Instead of just randomly giving a gift to someone, think about the person. What are their needs, wants, and what are they passionate about? Do you need to get to know them better, or just simply tell them they matter to you? Give intentionally, personally, and from the heart. with or without monetary gifts.
Giving Tuesday is all about giving, but what you will receive is an overflowing abundance of joy!!!
