David Schafer

Giving has the power to encourage and uplift not just the recipient but also the giver and the broader community. Barnabas, whose name fittingly means “son of encouragement,” demonstrates this in Acts 4:31-37. When the early church was filled with the Holy Spirit and preached God’s Word boldly, Barnabas sold a field he owned and laid the proceeds at the apostles’ feet to support the work of the church. His gift wasn’t just about money; it was a seed of faith and a tangible act of encouragement that propelled the apostles’ ministry forward. Barnabas saw his resources as instruments to advance the Kingdom of God and bring hope to those who needed it.

Jesus also highlighted the significance of selfless giving when He pointed out the widow’s offering in Luke 21:1-4. Unlike the rich who gave out of their surplus, this widow gave all she had, two small coins, as an act of deep faith and devotion. Her generosity wasn’t measured by the amount but by the sacrifice and trust she displayed. Through her humble gift, Jesus taught that giving is an act of worship and dependence on God. In both examples, we see that the heart behind giving matters more than the size of the gift, and that genuine generosity encourages and strengthens the body of Christ.

Reflecting on my own journey, I’ve seen how God has matured my understanding of giving over the years. In my early faith, I viewed giving as an obligation, a “check the box” on a spiritual to-do list. I gave when it was convenient, when it didn’t interfere with my plans or limit what I wanted to do. I viewed my resources as mine to control, and I gave only out of what was safe or easy. But as I continued to grow in faith, God began to shift my perspective, showing me that giving is an opportunity to invest in His Kingdom. Giving has become more about partnering with God’s work and less about checking a box or fulfilling an obligation. Just as the widow in Luke 21:1-4 gave all she had, I’ve learned that meaningful generosity often requires sacrifice, but it always comes with great spiritual reward.

We all have something to give, whether it’s resources, time, or encouragement. Like Barnabas and the widow, we can choose to hold our gifts with open hands, allowing God to use them to bless others and strengthen His church. I’ve come to understand that generosity not only blesses others but also transforms me, growing my faith and deepening my trust in His provision. May we all be encouraged to give generously, knowing that God uses every gift to bring about His purposes and to bless His people.

Let’s ask ourselves: What faithful and practical steps can you take so that your giving is a means of encouragement?

Sunday: Acts 4:31-37

Monday: Luke 21:1-4

Tuesday: Matthew 19:16-26

Wednesday: Acts 16:11-15, 40

Thursday: 1 Corinthians 16:1-4

Friday: Exodus 25:1-9