I love Christmas lights. As darkness descends earlier each evening and winter skies turn gray, lights begin to appear in storefronts, on lawns, and in the windows of homes. I fill my house with strings of Christmas lights, battery-operated candles, fairy lights, and little Christmas houses that glow from within. They brighten each room with a warm, inviting light. As I drive home from work on the darkest nights of the year, the lights around town and throughout my neighborhood fill me with joy and delight.
Darkness often brings a sense of uncertainty—and sometimes fear or despair—while light conveys life, warmth, and hope. Scripture proclaims Jesus Christ as the Light of the world. God sent Him into a sin-darkened world to shine the light of hope and eternal life.
In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:4–5)
At Christmas, many of us make a special effort to shine Christ’s light into the world by sharing the blessings God has given us. We donate to organizations such as the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and Samaritan’s Purse. We give food and money to food pantries. We try to bless those who are less fortunate, remembering that Christ challenged us to serve Him by serving others. We are a little more patient with store clerks, hold doors open, and smile at strangers. We make an effort to show that Christmas truly is a season of hope and goodwill.
Those who do not know Jesus as Lord and Savior are living in spiritual darkness. They do not yet experience the joy of forgiven sin or the peace that comes from a personal relationship with God. As believers, we are called to share God’s love so that others may have the opportunity to know Him.
Jesus instructed His disciples,
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
Shining Christ’s light is not limited to the Christmas season. We are called to reflect His love every day of the year. There are many simple, meaningful ways to do this.
Speak words of encouragement to those who are discouraged. You likely encounter people each week who feel overwhelmed or weary. Offer them hope and reassurance. “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Engage in acts of kindness. A smile, a kind word, or a small gesture of care can have a lasting impact. “Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” (Colossians 3:12)
Practice integrity in all your dealings. Be honest and above reproach in the way you live and work. “In everything set them an example by doing what is good.” (Titus 2:7–8)
Provide for the needs of others as you are able. Support worthy causes and respond to those who are hurting. “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat…” (Matthew 25:35–36)
Demonstrate trust in God by responding with calm and peace when things go wrong. People notice how we handle disappointment, loss, and uncertainty. Let them see that your confidence rests in God. “Do not be anxious about anything… And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7)
Offer to pray when others share their burdens. When clients or friends open their hearts, I often ask—when led by the Holy Spirit—if I may pray for them or share their request with my church’s prayer team. Every person has expressed gratitude for that offer. “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people.” (1 Timothy 2:1)
Be prepared to share your faith when others ask about your peace or hope. When we reflect Christ, people notice—and some will ask what makes us different. Jesus is the answer. “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” (1 Peter 3:15)
God calls us to be His lights in a dark world—pointing others to Jesus at Christmas and throughout the year. “For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord… For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts.” (2 Corinthians 4:5–6)
Merry Christmas, and may God bless you richly in the coming year.
For many of us, December is a season marked by giving. We paused last month to celebrate Thanksgiving and reflect on our many blessings, and now we turn our attention to preparing for Christmas or Hanukkah—holidays that both celebrate God’s goodness to His people.
For those who follow Christ, Christmas is far more than a season of shopping and gift exchanges. It is a time to reflect the love of Christ through intentional acts of generosity. God demonstrated His love through the greatest gift ever given: His Son, sent to live a sinless life and die on the cross to redeem mankind. The journey to the cross began at the manger.
Whether you are a business owner, an employee, or a retiree, you have countless opportunities to show generosity this season and share the love of Christ with those around you. Let these words guide you: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”Acts 20:35
Demonstrating Generosity as a Business Owner
If you own a small business, the holiday season provides unique opportunities to bless your customers, employees, and community. Consider these ideas:
Support local organizations. Donate funds to groups providing meals, warm clothing, or Christmas gifts for families in need. Let your customers know that their support helped make these contributions possible.
Participate in an Adopt-a-Family program. Sponsor one or more families as a business, inviting your staff and customers to join in meeting specific needs. You can also adopt a military family through organizations like Soldiers’ Angels.
Go the extra mile in customer care. Offer cookies and hot cider, provide complimentary gift wrapping, or surprise customers with small tokens of appreciation like ornaments or holiday treats. A cheerful greeting and an extra measure of kindness can make a lasting impact.
Offer paid volunteer time. Give employees a few hours of paid time off to serve at local holiday programs or nonprofit organizations.
Bless your team. Show gratitude through thoughtful gifts or year-end bonuses to acknowledge their hard work throughout the year.
Demonstrating Generosity as a Community Member
Regardless of income level, everyone can show generosity during the holidays.
Make charitable donations. Even small contributions to local nonprofits and faith-based organizations make a meaningful impact.
Volunteer your time. Many groups need help serving meals, wrapping Christmas gifts, hosting events at shelters, and more.
Buy gifts for children in need. Programs like Toys for Tots and Angel Tree rely on community generosity—collection periods are ending soon, so take action quickly.
Visit the elderly. Stop by nursing homes, assisted living centers, or the homes of elderly neighbors. Bring carolers, small gifts, or simply warm conversation. Your presence might be the highlight of their season.
Where You Can Still Give This Season
Many organizations are still accepting gifts, donations, and support:
The Salvation Army Angel Tree – Adopt a child in need or donate to the Red Kettle campaign through Christmas Eve.
Samaritan’s Purse – Build an online shoebox or donate through their gift catalog to support clean water projects, meals for children, or small-business assistance for families.
Toys for Tots – New, unwrapped toys are being collected through mid-December, depending on location.
Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Christmas – Donate to provide gifts for children with an incarcerated parent.
Feeding America or your local food bank – Help ensure families have food this holiday season. These organizations appreciate support year-round.
Christmas Spirit Foundation – Donate to provide Christmas trees for military families separated from deployed loved ones.
A Final Encouragement
This Christmas season, keep Christ at the center of your celebrations and be His hands extended to a hurting world. As you share His love and blessings with others, you demonstrate what it means to follow Him.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34–35
The final fruit of the Spirit is self-control. When we hear that term, our minds often go straight to resisting temptation — avoiding that extra dessert, holding our tongue in a heated moment, or passing up an impulse purchase.
But self-control runs much deeper than momentary restraint. It’s about aligning our actions with godly wisdom and long-term values. In the financial realm, self-control not only guards against overspending but also ensures our generosity is Spirit-led rather than emotionally driven.
It might surprise you that even our giving requires self-control. While the world often celebrates extravagant generosity, the Bible reminds us that not all giving honors God. Some people find themselves in financial trouble, not because they’ve overspent on themselves, but because they’ve given beyond their means — motivated by guilt, pride, or the desire for approval.
True self-control helps us navigate both sides of the financial equation: when to say “no” to unnecessary spending and when to give thoughtfully, as the Holy Spirit leads.
The Dangers of Unchecked Spending and Impulsive Giving
The Bible is filled with warnings about the consequences of poor financial management:
“The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7
“He who loves pleasure will be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil will not be rich.” Proverbs 21:17
Whether it’s overspending on pleasures or giving to impress others, a lack of self-control leads to debt, stress, and missed opportunities to use our resources wisely.
Jesus cautioned against performing acts of charity for the wrong reasons: “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” Matthew 6:1
Generosity should never be a tool to seek validation or soothe a guilty conscience. Spirit-led giving, balanced with financial stewardship, honors God and builds peace in our lives.
Cultivating Financial Self-Control
So how do we grow in self-control? It starts with intentional, Spirit-led living. Self-control is not self-generated discipline alone; it’s a fruit of the Spirit cultivated through prayer, wisdom, and surrender to God’s guidance.
Paul highlights this quality as essential for believers: “For the grace of God… teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” Titus 2:11–12
And Peter reminds us to actively pursue it: “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control…” 2 Peter 1:5–6
Here are some practical, biblical steps to develop financial self-control:
Ask God to transform your perspective on money. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
Seek wisdom to establish a spending and giving plan. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” (James 1:5)
Let the Holy Spirit direct your charitable giving beyond your tithe. “You are to receive the offering for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give.” (Exodus 25:2)
Pause before making unplanned financial decisions. Ask yourself:
Why do I want to spend or give this money?
Am I meeting a true need or reacting impulsively?
What adjustments will I need to make if I use this money now?
Is this Spirit-led or emotionally driven?
If the decision aligns with wisdom and biblical stewardship, adjust your budget accordingly, ensuring you’re not sacrificing long-term stability for a temporary impulse.
The Reward of Self-Control
As you consistently practice self-control in both spending and giving, it will become easier and more natural. The reward isn’t deprivation — it’s peace of mind, financial freedom, and the joy of being a faithful steward of God’s resources.
Self-control guards us against debt, stress, and the temptation to find our identity in material things or the approval of others. And it positions us to give generously in ways that truly honor God.
May we ask the Lord daily to help us exercise self-control, trusting Him to meet our needs and lead us in wise, Spirit-directed generosity.
Discussion Questions:
In what areas of your finances do you find it hardest to practice self-control? How can you invite God into those decisions?
Have you ever struggled with giving impulsively or for the wrong reasons? How can you better discern when and how to give?
What practical steps can you take this week to grow in self-control regarding your spending, saving, or giving habits?
Think of a time when practicing financial self-control brought you peace or helped someone else. How did it impact your relationship with God or others?
How might growing in self-control influence other areas of your life, such as your relationships, time management, or health habits?
The eighth fruit of the Spirit is gentleness. When I think of gentleness, I picture a mother lovingly cradling her baby in her arms. She carefully supports her infant’s head, providing the nourishment and love the child needs. Paul describes this in his first letter to the Thessalonians: “We were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children” (1 Thessalonians 2:7).
It’s natural to be gentle with an infant or an elderly person who is frail and in need of assistance. But it’s not always easy to be gentle when you’re bailing someone out of trouble or when they’ve wronged you.
How do you respond to the person who has failed to repay the money they borrowed from you?
How do you react to the person who just caused significant damage to your vehicle?
How do you assist a relative who has gotten himself into a financial mess—again?
Hopefully, you respond with gentleness and the love of Christ.
True gentleness can be defined as “treating others as you want to be treated; showing mercy and forgiveness without judgment.” In terms of money, gentleness can be applied to helping someone in need in a way that maintains their dignity and self-esteem. This means offering financial assistance without judgment. If I am showing gentleness, I cannot berate someone for their financial difficulties. In fact, gentleness may even require me to forgive the debt they owe me, just as Christ forgave my much larger debt.
Gentleness in Helping Others
If the Lord has provided for your needs, He expects you to help others: “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17).
It’s easy to feel compassion and gently help someone who has faced financial setbacks due to illness, an accident, a job layoff, or a national economic downturn. But it can be more difficult to extend compassion to someone who has mismanaged their money, lived beyond their means, or made reckless investments in hopes of getting rich quickly. You might even feel that their difficulties are the result of sin and find yourself reluctant to help. However, gentleness compels us to help others without making them feel ashamed. Galatians 6:1 reminds us, “If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.”
If you struggle with gentleness, remember that fortunes can change quickly. Today, you might be in a position to give, but tomorrow, you might need help yourself: “Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle” (Proverbs 23:5).
Offering Assistance with Gentleness
Seek God’s direction before offering help: “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy” (James 3:17).
Consider how you would want to be approached for assistance and follow the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31).
Offer assistance discreetly and with humility: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. So, when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matthew 6:1–3).
Offer help not to seek praise from others, but as an opportunity to share the gospel: “Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us” (1 Thessalonians 2:6–8).
Practical Ways to Assist Someone Financially with Gentleness
Pay a bill anonymously.
Send a check with a note that says, “The Lord instructed me to give this to you.”
Drop off a bag of groceries or a gift card to a grocery store.
Pay attention to their needs and purchase specific items to meet those needs.
Offer them an opportunity to do paid work for you, such as:
Yard work
Home repairs and maintenance
Errands and/or shopping
Housecleaning
Temporary work at your business (e.g., seasonal sales or extra labor for large jobs)
Contract work for your business (e.g., website design, bookkeeping, marketing, or janitorial services)
Conclusion:
Gentleness is more than just a soft-spoken demeanor; it is an intentional choice to treat others with dignity, compassion, and humility, especially when it comes to our financial dealings. Whether helping someone in need, forgiving a debt, or practicing patience in difficult financial situations, gentleness reflects Christ’s love and grace in practical ways. As we cultivate this fruit of the Spirit, we not only honor God, but we also create an environment of peace, trust, and healing in our relationships with others.
Ask God to open your eyes to those in need around you and pray for wisdom to meet those needs, as led by the Holy Spirit, with gentleness and a heart that reflects His love. Let gentleness guide you in your financial decisions and interactions, and watch how it transforms not only your heart but the lives of those around you. May we continue to be faithful stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, using gentleness as a reflection of His love in all things.
Discussion Questions:
How can you apply gentleness when helping someone with a financial need, especially if their situation is a result of poor financial decisions? How can you balance compassion and wisdom in such situations?
What are some ways gentleness can influence how you manage your own finances? For example, how might gentleness affect your approach to budgeting, saving, or giving?
In what areas of your life do you struggle to show gentleness in your financial interactions, whether it’s forgiving a debt, giving to others, or paying your bills on time? How can you ask God for help in those areas?
Think about a time when you needed financial help or guidance. How did the gentleness or lack thereof from others impact your relationship with them? How can you practice gentleness in your own financial dealings to build trust and understanding?
Faithfulness is the seventh fruit of the Spirit. It’s about being reliable, trustworthy, and true to our word. God is faithful to meet our needs when we trust Him, and He expects us to be faithful in return. As Christians, we should be known for our faithfulness—whether in keeping promises, being punctual, or fulfilling our commitments.
When it comes to our finances, we demonstrate faithfulness by using the resources God has entrusted to us in ways that align with His purposes. This includes faithfully supporting the church, helping those in need, and fulfilling our financial obligations.
Faithfulness in Tithing
One of the clearest ways we show financial faithfulness is through tithing. God expects us to give a portion of what He has blessed us with to support the ministry of the local church. This principle is outlined in Malachi 3:8-12, where God says:
“Will a mere mortal rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, ‘How are we robbing you?’ In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—your whole nation—because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” said the Lord Almighty. “Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land,” says the Lord Almighty.
In this passage, God makes it clear that withholding our tithes is considered robbery, and the result is lack and hardship. But when we are faithful to bring our tithes into the storehouse, God promises to pour out blessings beyond what we can imagine. Not only that, but He will protect our resources from destruction.
Tithing supports the work of the church, and this was a practice established long ago. In Leviticus 18:21, Moses commanded the Israelites to bring their tithes to support the Levites, who were responsible for the temple work. This principle is reaffirmed in the New Testament in Hebrews 7:5, where it says, “those who are of the sons of Levi…have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law.”
Faithfulness in Doing Charitable Deeds
In addition to tithing, God also calls us to use our resources to help those in need. Throughout Scripture, God commands His people to care for widows, orphans, and the poor. In Deuteronomy 15:11, Moses said:
“There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore, I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.”
This command is echoed in Malachi 3:5, where God promises judgment on those who neglect the poor, widows, and orphans, placing such neglect alongside sins like sorcery and adultery. In the New Testament, James reinforces the importance of caring for those in need when he writes, “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27).
Being faithful in our finances means using what we’ve been given to care for those less fortunate, following God’s heart for the needy and reflecting His love in tangible ways.
Faithfulness in Fulfilling Obligations
God also expects us to be faithful in fulfilling our financial obligations. This includes paying our debts, taxes, and wages owed to those who work for us. Scripture is clear about this in several places. Psalm 37:21 warns:
“The wicked borrows and does not repay.”
As Christians, we are called to be trustworthy in all our dealings, including financial ones. Romans 13:7 tells us to “Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.”
We’re also reminded in both the Old and New Testaments to pay those who work for us in a timely manner. Leviticus 19:13 commands:
“You shall not cheat your neighbor, nor rob him. The wages of him who is hired shall not remain with you all night until morning.”
James 5:4 echoes this principle:
“Indeed the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out; and the cries of the reapers have reached the ears of the Lord.”
Being faithful in paying what we owe is not just a matter of legal obligation—it’s a reflection of our integrity and our trust in God’s provision.
Promised Rewards for Faithfulness
Jesus teaches that those who are faithful with what they’ve been given will be rewarded. In Luke 19, He tells a parable about a master who entrusts ten servants with minas (a form of money) and asks them to do business with it while He is away. When the master returns, He rewards the servants based on how they handled the money entrusted to them. The one who earned the greatest return is praised:
“Well done, good servant; because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities” (Luke 19:17).
When we are faithful with our finances, not only will we be blessed in this life, but God will give us greater opportunities to serve Him and further His kingdom. Financial faithfulness leads to spiritual growth and greater responsibility in God’s work.
Conclusion
Faithfulness in our finances is a reflection of our trust in God and our commitment to His purposes. Whether it’s through tithing, helping those in need, or fulfilling our obligations, God calls us to be faithful stewards of the resources He has entrusted to us. As we demonstrate faithfulness in our finances, we can trust that God will meet our needs and reward our obedience.
Discussion Questions:
How have you experienced God’s faithfulness in your finances? Have there been times when you’ve trusted Him with your finances, even in challenging circumstances?
What does faithfulness in tithing look like in your life? How can you practice faithful giving to your local church?
How can you be more intentional in using your resources to care for those in need?
Are there any financial obligations that you need to fulfill more faithfully? How can you prioritize those commitments?
Goodness is the next fruit of the Spirit. While it includes acts of kindness, goodness goes beyond that—it encompasses honesty, fairness, and always choosing to do the right thing.
We display goodness when we use our financial resources to demonstrate God’s goodness and direct others toward Him. To embody goodness, we must first acknowledge that only God is truly good, and that all goodness flows from Him.
God is Good, and He Provides for Us by His Goodness
God is inherently good, and He blesses His children with good things. Recognizing God’s goodness in our lives is key to understanding how we should use our finances. We must thank Him daily for His faithfulness. Psalm 34:8 reminds us:
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!”
1 Chronicles 16:34 echoes this truth:
“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever.”
Psalm 107 starts with an invitation to give thanks for God’s goodness:
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” (verse 1)
The chapter goes on to highlight how God demonstrates His goodness: He redeems us, protects us, provides for us, heals us, and lifts us out of distress. The psalmist concludes with the call to reflect on God’s loving deeds:
“Let the one who is wise heed these things and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.” (Psalm 107:43)
Jeremiah 33:9 further illustrates how God’s provision is rooted in His goodness:
“Then it shall be to Me a name of joy, a praise, and an honor before all nations of the earth, who shall hear all the good that I do to them; they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and all the prosperity that I provide for it.”
God Is Pleased When We Do Good
We honor God when we do good for others, especially by sharing the blessings He has given us. Hebrews 13:16 tells us:
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Demonstrating goodness points others to God’s love. 1 John 3:17-18 challenges us:
“But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or tongue, but in deed and in truth.”
Loving in deed means that we share what God has entrusted to us, including our finances. Failing to do so, particularly when it comes to caring for those in need, is a missed opportunity to reflect God’s love. James 4:17 says:
“Anyone who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.”
Proverbs 21:13 offers a stern warning:
“Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.”
Being Good Points Others to God
Jesus taught His followers in Matthew 5:16:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”
We let our light shine when we share our resources and show goodness to others. Paul also encouraged the Galatians to persist in doing good:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:9-10)
The harvest we reap by doing good will be souls added to God’s kingdom—a true treasure in Heaven.
Conclusion
God has been incredibly good to us, and He expects us to reflect His goodness by doing good for others, especially when it involves sharing our financial resources. By following God’s example, we can trust that He will meet all our needs.
Discussion Questions:
Recognizing God’s Goodness: How have you experienced God’s goodness in your life recently? How does recognizing His goodness impact the way you manage your finances?
The Role of Finances in Showing Goodness: In what ways can our financial decisions reflect God’s goodness to others? Can you think of a time when you were able to use your resources to bless someone else?
Sharing and Generosity: 1 John 3:17-18 challenges us to love in deed and truth. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate God’s love through our financial resources, particularly in times of need?
The Connection Between Goodness and Obedience: James 4:17 tells us that failing to do the good we know we should do is a sin. How does this verse challenge you to reconsider your approach to generosity and caring for others?
God’s Provision and Trusting Him: Jeremiah 33:9 speaks about God’s goodness leading to prosperity. How does trusting in God’s provision influence your decisions about managing money and sharing with others?
Persevering in Doing Good: Galatians 6:9-10 encourages us to continue doing good, especially for those in the faith. How do you stay motivated to keep doing good when you feel weary or discouraged, especially when it comes to financial giving?
A Life That Points Others to God: Matthew 5:16 says we should let our good works shine before others to glorify God. How can we intentionally use our finances to point others to Christ, both within and outside the church community?
Reflecting on Personal Action: As you reflect on your current financial situation, how can you align your use of money more closely with God’s goodness? Is there a specific change or action God is calling you to make?
The third fruit of the Spirit is peace—a deep sense of inner contentment and calm. Peace of mind stands in stark contrast to worry or stress. We experience peace when we feel safe and secure. However, in today’s world, feelings of peace can be rare and short-lived. We find ourselves worrying about our family’s safety and health, job security, political turmoil, and, of course, whether we have enough money to meet our obligations.
Money is consistently one of the top causes of stress. In fact, a recent study revealed that 70% of Americans report feeling stressed about their finances, and 90% say that thinking about money causes them anxiety. But God does not want us to live in fear or anxiety about money. He desires for us to have peace, no matter our financial situation.
True Peace Comes from God
The first step in experiencing peace is recognizing that only God can truly supply all of our needs. As Philippians 4:19 reminds us: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
When we bring our needs before God in prayer, He listens and responds in a way that aligns with what’s best for us. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
As we bring our needs to God and trust Him to guide us, we begin to experience the true sense of peace that comes from knowing Christ as our Savior and recognizing God as our ultimate provider.
Money Cannot Give Us Peace
It’s also crucial to acknowledge that no amount of money can provide lasting peace. A 2024 study found that the average American household believes they need an annual income of $186,000 to feel financially secure. However, the most recent Census Bureau data shows that the median household income is $78,538, with only 10% of households earning $186,000 or more. This means that the vast majority of Americans feel insecure about their financial situation. It’s no wonder that many experience stress when they think about money.
Even those whose income greatly exceeds $186,000 often admit feeling financially insecure and wishing for “just a little more.” King Solomon understood this idea when he wrote in Ecclesiastes 5:10: “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income. This too is meaningless.”
True peace comes not from accumulating wealth but from trusting in God, who provides for our needs.
Money Is Fleeting
Even if you have accumulated enough money to feel financially comfortable, it’s important to remember that wealth can be lost in an instant. A stock market crash or economic downturn can wipe out fortunes overnight. Political unrest or war can destroy the wealth of entire nations. Many people have lost their wealth due to bad investments or unscrupulous financial advisors.
King Solomon described this in Proverbs 23:4-5: “Do not wear yourself out to get rich; do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off into the sky like an eagle.”
Paul also warned against putting our hope in wealth. He wrote to Timothy: “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” (1 Timothy 6:17)
We can only feel secure and at peace with our finances when we depend on the Lord to provide for our needs. Isaiah 26:3 assures us: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
A Reflective Question for Your Heart
As you consider your relationship with money, ask yourself: Do I place my peace and security in my financial situation, or am I trusting God to provide for my needs, no matter what my bank account looks like? Take a moment to reflect on whether your financial outlook aligns with God’s call to trust Him fully or if you’re still holding on to worry and insecurity. Let this be an opportunity to invite God’s peace into your financial journey.
Love is a word we use frequently, but often in different ways. We say “I love that!” when we talk about food, clothing, or even our favorite vacation spots. While these may reflect strong preferences, they’re far from the deeper, more self-sacrificial love we’re called to show our family, friends, and ultimately, God.
In his paper The Fruit of the Spirit: Love, James Hernando defines love as a relationship term within the context of redemption. He writes, “Love…defines our relationship to ourselves, to God, to our neighbor, and to the members of God’s body.” God’s love is self-giving, intimate, and requires personal involvement. It’s the kind of love that drives us to share our resources—especially our finances—to meet the needs of others.
Love and Giving: A Call to Action in Christian Finances
We demonstrate love in tangible ways when we open our pocketbooks and share the financial blessings God has given us. The Bible is clear about this. In the Old Testament, God commands the Israelites to care for the poor: “For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore, I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.’” (Deuteronomy 15:11) Similarly, in the New Testament, John reminds us that the love of God isn’t just a feeling; it’s actionable: “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17)
You might be thinking, “I work hard for my money. Why should I sacrifice my earnings for others?” The answer lies in understanding the depth of God’s love for you. He loved you so much that He gave His only Son to die for you. Jesus’s love was sacrificial—it cost Him everything. Our love should reflect that same generosity, both spiritually and financially, as we strive to honor God with our money.
Intimacy in Love: A Heart Connection in Financial Stewardship
God’s love is intimate. Hernando writes, “Intimacy involves close personal interaction resulting in commitment, emotional bonding, and mutual care and concern.” Jesus modeled this intimacy with His disciples—He spent time getting to know them, understanding their needs, and responding with love.
As we grow in love, our relationships deepen, and we naturally start to care for others, not just emotionally, but practically, including financially. This was evident as the early church met daily to pray, fellowship, share meals and meet one another’s needs. “Now all who believed were together and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.” (Acts 2:44-45) Christian stewardship means being generous with our resources to help those around us.
Avoiding the Love of Money: A Biblical Warning
As we mature in the Fruit of the Spirit, we become less attached to money and more devoted to loving God and others. Jesus warned that it’s impossible to serve both God and money: “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” (Matthew 6:24, NIV)
The love of money can harm our relationship with God and create all kinds of problems. “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Timothy 6:10) Money, when idolized, becomes a barrier to a relationship with God and others. It can even destroy relationships, as people prioritize wealth over love and well-being.
Loving money leads people away from God and into many types of sin. “For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.” 2 Timothy 3:2 The sins depicted in this verse are attitudes that destroy relationships with God, family members, and friends. As these attitudes take root in a person’s heart, he or she may go to great extremes to get more money. For some this involves sacrificing their families and relationships to seek promotions and raises in order to earn larger salaries and achieve more status. Others violate the law to gain more money. Stealing, fraud, tax evasion, identity theft, and robbery are just a few of the ways that greedy people try to gain more money. No matter how much money they obtain—either through hard work and ingenuity or through theft and crime—lovers of money will never be satisfied.
Despite what culture tells us, money can never fulfill our spiritual and emotional needs. “He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves wealth with his income; this also is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10-11, ESV) Biblical stewardship teaches us that contentment comes not from accumulating wealth, but from trusting God to provide all we need.
Loving Others: A Practical Application of Financial Stewardship
Romans 12 offers practical instructions for loving others, many of which tie directly into how we handle money. Take your Bible or open your Bible app and look up Romans 12:9-15 & 20-21. Discover how some of the instructions apply directly to our use of money:
Entertain strangers
Demonstrate hospitality
Feed and give drink to our enemies
Provide for the needy
These actions often require us to spend our resources—time, energy, and yes, money. Christian hospitality doesn’t have to be extravagant, but it does require sacrifice. We are called to share freely, not to impress others, but to genuinely care for their needs.
As you grow in your relationship with God, your heart for others will deepen. Be attentive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings, and seek opportunities to love others with your finances, just as Christ loves you. In doing so, we demonstrate biblical generosity and honor God with the resources He has entrusted to us.
Final Thoughts on Stewardship and Love
As we reflect on how love impacts our finances, we are reminded that it’s not about the amount we give, but the heart behind it. True love—God’s love—compels us to be generous, sacrificial, and intimate in our care for others. Let that love guide your financial choices today, and trust that God will bless your generosity.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23
As Christians, we’re called to grow closer to Jesus, allowing His life and teachings to shape every part of our lives—including how we handle money. The way we manage our finances can reflect Christ and influence those around us, especially in a world where many are struggling with financial stress.
Money is simply a tool—it helps us navigate life and conduct business—but it should never be the focus of our lives. Your worth is not determined by how much you have in the bank; it’s rooted in the truth that you were created by God, who loves you deeply. The way we handle money, however, should reflect God’s heart, shining His light in a world full of need.
In this blog, we’ll explore how the Fruit of the Spirit can guide us in our approach to money. Think of this post as an overview—a beginner’s guide or refresher on how these biblical qualities intersect with our financial lives. Over the coming weeks, I’ll dive deeper into each characteristic, offering more insights and practical tips for applying these principles in your finances. This series can serve as a personal study, a group discussion for Sunday school, or a home group study to help you grow in both your financial stewardship and your walk with Christ.
Love
When you accept Christ, God’s love fills your heart. In fact, He calls us to love Him with all that we are: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5)
Desiring money isn’t sinful, but loving it can be. When we place too much emphasis on acquiring wealth, we risk letting it take God’s rightful place in our hearts. Jesus makes this clear in Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
When we love money more than God, it can lead to destructive behaviors like theft, fraud, or worse. As 1 Timothy 6:10 warns: “For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil.”
We all want joy, but it’s different from happiness. Happiness is based on circumstances—it’s temporary, like the joy you feel when you receive good news. Joy, on the other hand, is deeper and more lasting. It comes from knowing our sins are forgiven and that we are part of God’s eternal family.
Romans 15:13 tells us, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him.” This kind of joy isn’t dependent on money or possessions.
While an unexpected windfall may bring a moment of happiness, it can’t provide the lasting joy that only comes from Christ. As Jesus reminds us in Luke 6:23–24, “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets. But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.”
True peace comes from knowing we are secure in Christ. As Jesus said, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). No amount of money can provide that kind of peace.
Even the wealthiest people often feel insecure. Studies show that even multi-millionaires regularly feel that they need even more money to feel “secure.” King Solomon understood this when he wrote in Ecclesiastes 5:10: “Whoever loves money never has enough.”
True peace comes from trusting in God, not in wealth.
Patience helps us avoid rushing into poor financial decisions. It allows wealth to grow over time and teaches us to wait before making big purchases until we can afford them. Without patience, we might impulsively invest in get-rich-quick schemes or fall into debt by buying things we can’t afford.
Proverbs 13:11 teaches, “Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.” And Proverbs 22:7 reminds us, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is a servant to the lender.” Patience and self-control in money management are key.
Kindness means treating others as family—especially those in need. As God’s people, we’re called to show kindness by helping those less fortunate, both with our resources and our time. True kindness eases others’ burdens and points them to Christ.
Job 6:14 says, “Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.” Jesus also taught that when we serve the least among us, we are serving Him (Matthew 25:31-46).
Isaiah 58:6-7 explains that true fasting is about meeting the needs of the poor and oppressed. “Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and to bring the poor who are cast out into your house?”
Goodness is about using what we have to fulfill God’s purpose, especially in helping others. James 4:17 tells us, “Anyone who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” When we fail to care for others, especially the poor, we miss an opportunity to show God’s love.
1 John 3:17-18 challenges us: “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
Proverbs 21:13 warns that if we ignore the cries of the poor, God may not answer us in our own time of need. “Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.”
God is faithful to provide for us, and we are called to be faithful with what He has entrusted to us. This includes being faithful to give—whether through tithing or supporting others in need. Malachi 3:8-10 reminds us that failing to tithe is like robbing God, and that He will bless those who are faithful in their giving.
Jesus also promises rewards for those who use their resources wisely. In Luke 19:17, the faithful servant is told, “Well done, good servant; because you have been faithful in a very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.”
Gentleness compels us to help others without making them feel ashamed. It’s easy to judge those in financial trouble, but the Bible calls us to restore them gently. Galatians 6:1 reminds us, “If someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently.”
As we help others, we must remember that our fortunes can change. Today, we may be the ones in a position to give, but tomorrow, we might need help ourselves (Proverbs 23:5). We should offer assistance discreetly and with humility, following the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31).
Self-control is essential for avoiding impulse spending and debt. It also applies to giving. While it’s important to be generous, we must be careful not to give beyond what we can afford, trusting that God will meet our needs (Philippians 4:19).
Jesus warned against giving to be seen by others. “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matthew 6:3). Self-control in giving, just like in spending, helps us maintain balance.
Proverbs 21:17 reminds us that “He who loves pleasure will become poor; whoever loves wine and oil will never be rich.” We must practice self-control in all areas of life to manage our resources well.
A Personal Bible Study on Money and the Fruit of the Spirit
As you reflect on the principles of money and the Fruit of the Spirit, I encourage you to take a moment to think about how each characteristic applies to your own financial life. The Fruit of the Spirit isn’t just a list of qualities to admire—it’s a call to live out the very nature of Christ in every area of life, including how we handle our finances.
Would you like to make this a personal study? Consider printing out this blog and keeping it in your Bible as a reminder. You can use it for daily reflection or as a study guide with family or friends. Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal areas in your financial life where you can grow in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Ask God to give you wisdom as you apply these principles, and trust that as you do, He will bless your efforts and help you reflect His character in all you do.
“I hate my job,” a friend told me recently. Her feelings reached beyond a typical bad day scenario. She dislikes the work that she is doing and the people at work. A study by the Pew Research Center in the spring of last year revealed that half of workers are highly satisfied with their jobs. That means that the other half are not. And 19% of workers reported being miserable in their careers. My friend fell into that 19% of people who are miserable in their jobs.
For many people, like my friend, their work is just a paycheck to provide for themselves. She can not articulate what she would enjoy doing, complicating her situation. She is not alone.
If you do the work God has called you to do, you will not be miserable. Of course, you will have stressful days, but generally, you should feel fulfilled by your work. If you are miserable, you can take steps to figure out what God created you to do.
God demonstrates through stories in the Bible that He has a plan for each of us. God created us with unique abilities, temperaments, interests, and talents. In Exodus 31, God instructed Moses to build the Tabernacle, and He provided the names of two specific artisans whom He had filled with the knowledge to do specific jobs. The craftsmen had different skills, and they could oversee all the specialized work together. When God set the Levites apart to be priests, He assigned different jobs to different Levite families. In the New Testament, Paul tells us that God created some people to be evangelists, some to be prophets, and some to be teachers, among other callings.
God also created you to do specific work. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.”
To help my friend, I turned to “The Purpose Drive Life” by Rick Warren. He suggests several questions that a person should ask themselves to help them determine their purpose. I made a list of the questions from the book to help my friend consider other job options as she prays and seeks the Lord’s guidance.
Here are 6 questions Rick Warren suggests to help you determine your purpose:
What were your favorite family experiences? Favorite memories?
What were your favorite subjects in school?
What jobs have you had that you enjoyed or found meaningful?
What are the most memorable times you have had with God?
What Christian service/ministries have you enjoyed?
What have you learned from your life’s problems, challenges, hurts, and trials?
God wants you to get up excited to face each day. Your job should be more than a way to get a paycheck. It should give you joy and satisfaction knowing that you are where God intended you to be, doing the work He created you to do.
The path to finding your purpose is not an overnight journey. It would help if you took the time to answer the questions and also ask your closest friends and family to help you evaluate what you enjoy. Ultimately, it is for you to decide with God’s help.
Now is an excellent time to begin searching for a new path.
Susan's Reflections 
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