Tag: faith

When the World Feels Dark, Be the Light

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.

10 Practical Ways to Reflect Christ in Your Business

As a small business owner, you have the opportunity to honor Christ in the way you operate your business.

Honoring God doesn’t necessarily mean sharing the plan of salvation with every customer, vendor, or employee you meet. Instead, it means consistently living out your faith in a way that points others to Christ. A well-known saying expresses this well:
“Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”

Here are some meaningful ways you can demonstrate your commitment to Christ and Christian values through your business:

1. Treat Everyone with Respect

Whether you’re correcting an employee, handling an unhappy customer, or navigating a disagreement with a competitor, respond with grace and dignity. “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” — Colossians 4:6

2. Practice Honesty in Every Transaction

Be truthful in your dealings—whether paying taxes, recording expenses, setting prices, honoring contracts, or communicating expectations. “The Lord detests dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with him.” — Proverbs 11:1
“Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” — Matthew 22:21

3. Keep Your Promises

If you’ve committed to giving an employee a raise, conducting a performance review, or teaching them a new skill, follow through. Failing to keep your word is a form of dishonesty.
“The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.” — Proverbs 12:22

4. Pay Fair Wages

Compensate your employees fairly for the work they perform. Pay them for every hour worked, honor overtime regulations, and ensure your pay rates reflect their contributions.
“The laborer is worthy of his wages.” — Luke 10:7

5. Use Uplifting Language

Avoid speaking harshly, using profane language, or belittling others. Instead, choose words that encourage, empower, and reflect God’s love.
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” — Ephesians 4:29

6. Support Charities That Reflect Your Values

Many business owners support local causes. Prayerfully consider which ministries or charities to partner with.
“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” — 2 Corinthians 9:7

7. Assist Employees in Need

While employment law requires equal pay for equal work, you can personally bless employees facing hardship. Consider ways to quietly help—a single mom with childcare, a financially struggling employee with extra hours, or a stressed team member with a small personal gift.
“But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” — Matthew 6:3

8. Model Servant Leadership

Demonstrate that no task is beneath you. Set an example of excellence, humility, and integrity in everything you do.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

9. Seek God’s Wisdom in Decision-Making

Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in your daily operations and major business decisions.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3

10. Cover Your Business in Prayer

Start each day by seeking the Lord, and let employees know you’re praying for them when appropriate.
“My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up.” — Psalm 5:3

Final Thoughts

As you seek God’s guidance and aim to honor Him in your business practices, He will open opportunities for you to share your faith naturally—with your actions, your words, and your example.

How has God allowed you to honor Him through your business?
I’d love to hear your story—feel free to share it in the comments!

Stewarding Well: Exercising Self-Control in Spending and Giving

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:

  1. Ask God to transform your perspective on money.
    “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
  2. 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)
  3. 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)
  4. 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:

  1. In what areas of your finances do you find it hardest to practice self-control? How can you invite God into those decisions?
  2. Have you ever struggled with giving impulsively or for the wrong reasons? How can you better discern when and how to give?
  3. What practical steps can you take this week to grow in self-control regarding your spending, saving, or giving habits?
  4. 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?
  5. How might growing in self-control influence other areas of your life, such as your relationships, time management, or health habits?

Financial Help with a Gentle Heart: Extending Mercy in Money Matters

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:

  1. 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?
  2. 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?
  3. 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?
  4. 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?

The Reward of Faithfulness: Trusting God with Your Money

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 and Money: How Practicing Goodness Can Transform Your Finances

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:

  1. 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?
  2. 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?
  3. 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?
  4. 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?
  5. 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?
  6. 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?
  7. 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?
  8. 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 Power of Kindness: Transforming Your Finances and Relationships

Kindness is the fifth fruit of the Spirit. A kind person is friendly, generous, and compassionate. The root word “kin” in kindness reminds us to treat others as family. As God’s people, we’re called to show kindness, especially by helping those less fortunate. Kindness can be as simple as offering a kind word or as significant as giving one’s resources, time, and energy to improve the situation of another.

True kindness eases others’ burdens and points them to Christ. As we grow closer to the Lord and allow the fruit of the Spirit to develop within us, the Holy Spirit empowers us to demonstrate kindness.

Kindness Cannot Co-Exist with Unforgiveness

Having the right attitude is essential when practicing kindness—particularly when it comes to sharing our financial resources. If we harbor animosity or unforgiveness in our hearts toward someone, it will be difficult to open our hearts (and our pocketbooks) to help them when the Holy Spirit nudges us to do so.

The Bible teaches us that in order to please God and cultivate kindness, we must rid our hearts of bitterness and unforgiveness. Ephesians 4:31-32 reminds us:
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Paul also emphasizes this in Colossians 3:12-13:

“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

God Expects Us to Be Kind

In the Old Testament, God commanded His people to show kindness. He even withheld His favor when they failed to do so. In Isaiah, God expresses His displeasure when kindness is withheld, especially toward the poor and oppressed. Isaiah 58:6-7 states:

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”

Job also reminds us of the importance of kindness in relationships:
“Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty” (Job 6:14).

Jesus taught that when we serve the least among us, we are serving Him (Matthew 25:31-46). The acts of kindness Jesus described involved sharing our possessions—food, water, clothing—with those in need. As God provides for us, He expects us to share those resources with others.

God Rewards Those Who Show Kindness

God blesses those who are kind and share their resources. Solomon wisely wrote, “A kind man benefits himself” (Proverbs 11:17), and “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done” (Proverbs 19:17).

When we are kind, we are building treasure in Heaven. This is especially true when we do so without making a spectacle of it. Jesus warned against doing good deeds for the sake of recognition, teaching His disciples:

“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. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” (Matthew 6:1-3).

When we show kindness to others, we honor God and demonstrate His love to those who are hurting. We should not show kindness to gain God’s favor or heavenly rewards, but when done in obedience to God’s commands and with the right attitude, God will reward our kindness.

A Reflective Question for Your Heart

As you reflect on your relationship with money and kindness, consider the following questions:

  • How has kindness played a role in your financial decisions?
  • Can you think of a time when showing kindness to someone changed their situation—or yours?

Take a moment to reflect and invite God to help you be more intentional with your kindness, especially in how you manage and share your resources. Remember, the kindest act you can do is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, so that others can look forward to eternity in Heaven.

Patience: A Fruit of the Spirit that Transforms Our Financial Journey

Patience is the ability to wait for someone or something without becoming agitated or frustrated. It’s a calm, self-controlled attitude that isn’t instinctively present at birth but rather develops over time, especially through challenges and adversity. The apostle James teaches that patience grows in the midst of trials and hardships

James 1:2-4, says: “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect (mature) and complete, lacking nothing.”

A patient person reaps many benefits: reduced stress, greater perseverance, improved problem-solving skills, and healthier relationships. In contrast, impatience often leads to restlessness, irritability, and rushed decisions without proper thought.

When it comes to finances, patience plays a crucial role in making wise financial decisions, avoiding costly mistakes, and preventing the burden of debt. Patience helps us delay gratification and trust God to meet our needs, while also teaching us to manage our money in a way that allows us to grow our savings over time and make big purchases without relying on debt.

Patience to Delay Gratification

It’s no secret that waiting for something you really want can be frustrating. Whether you’re saving for a special vacation, a new car, your first home, a new outfit, or the latest gadget, delaying that immediate gratification isn’t easy. However, the benefits of saving and waiting are substantial.

  • Avoiding Debt: By saving for an item instead of charging it, you avoid the stress of debt that can take months or even years to pay off, often with interest.
  • Increased Satisfaction: The anticipation of waiting often heightens your satisfaction when you finally make the purchase, and the joy of avoiding debt adds to that satisfaction.
  • Better Deals: Waiting gives you the time to research the best deals, potentially finding better prices or discovering a product that better meets your needs.

As Solomon wisely observed in Proverbs 22:7, “The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is a servant to the lender.” Patience helps you avoid this type of financial bondage.

Patience to Accumulate Wealth Over Time

One of the best financial strategies is to start saving small amounts early, allowing your investments to grow over time. Consider this: If you begin saving $25 a month at age 25 into an annuity paying 3% interest, by the time you turn 65, your $12,000 investment will grow to $23,209. It’s not hard to save $25 a month—just skip one dinner or two lunches out each month, and you’ll be able to invest that money. If you increase it to $25 a week, your balance would grow to $100,547.

This principle is found in Proverbs 13:11, “Whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow.”

Trying to get rich quickly can often lead to risky, costly mistakes. Some people resort to gambling or high-risk investments that promise large returns. However, gambling can lead to addiction and financial ruin, and get-rich-quick schemes often end in loss. In fact, the Federal Trade Commission estimates that Americans lost more than $8 billion in 2023 to risky investments and scams, and nearly $117 billion was lost to gambling.

Patience to Wait on God

Patience is also about waiting on God’s timing. It’s about trusting that He will fulfill His promises, even when it seems like our prayers go unanswered. Patience allows us to stay faithful, even when we feel overwhelmed by financial difficulties. God has promised to meet all our needs, and He is faithful to His word.

In Philippians 4:19, Paul expressed his confidence that God would provide for the needs of the Philippians: “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Despite the trials Paul faced, he had learned to be content, knowing that God would meet his every need. Patience and faithfulness during trials helped Paul grow in his trust in God’s provision.

When we wait on God, we develop patience and maturity, learning that God’s timing is perfect. Even when waiting feels difficult, remember that the trials we endure can build perseverance, and perseverance leads to maturity in our faith.

A Reflective Question for Your Heart

As you reflect on your relationship with money, consider the following:

  1. Have you made financial decisions in the past that might have turned out better if you had been more patient?
  2. Can you recall instances where God rewarded your patience with a better outcome than you expected?

Take a moment to think about these questions, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Let this be an opportunity to invite God’s peace and patience into your financial journey.

The Peace of God in Our Finances: Letting Go of Financial Anxiety

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.

Joy and Money: Embracing Contentment Through Generosity

The second fruit of the Spirit listed is joy—a word often associated with gladness and delight. While joy is frequently tied to specific events, such as a parent celebrating their child’s graduation, this type of joy tends to be temporary, fading as circumstances change.

True joy, however, is different. It is internal, unshaken by life’s ups and downs, and is a gift from God. As Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

When it comes to finances, joy plays a critical role in how we handle money. Let’s explore a few ways joy connects to our financial lives.

Joy in Knowing God Is Our Provider

Knowing that God is our provider should bring us great joy. Jesus reminded His disciples not to worry about life’s necessities, assuring them that God would meet their needs. As He said in Matthew 6:25-26, “Therefore, I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”

During times of financial stress, it’s easy to let worry steal our joy. But in these moments, remembering God’s past faithfulness can restore our peace. I can personally attest to this—when my husband was laid off, and our income dramatically decreased, my first thought was that God would provide. Even in uncertainty, I felt joy and peace knowing He was in control.

When you face financial challenges, take your needs to God in prayer. Jesus promised, “Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:24).

Joy from Helping Others

There’s also joy in sharing our resources with those in need. Acts 20:35 teaches, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” If you’ve ever helped someone less fortunate—whether providing a meal for the hungry or offering relief after a disaster—you’ve likely experienced the satisfaction and joy that comes from easing someone else’s burden.

God calls us to care for the poor and promises to bless those who obey. Deuteronomy 15:10 says, “Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” This promise should fill your heart with joy, knowing that your generosity brings blessings.

Furthermore, God delights in those who give with a cheerful heart. As 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 reminds us, “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Future Joy for Faithfulness

We also look forward to the joy of future rewards in heaven for our faithfulness in giving. Jesus taught that we should store up treasures in heaven by being generous on earth. As He said in Matthew 6:19-21, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

When we care for others, we are building treasure in heaven. Jesus further emphasized this in Matthew 25:31-36, explaining that when we feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome strangers, clothe the naked, visit the sick, and care for prisoners, we are serving Him. These acts of kindness lead to eternal rewards and deepen our joy in Christ.

Finding Joy Through Generosity

As we trust God to provide for our needs and follow the Holy Spirit’s direction in giving, we experience true joy. This joy is not found in accumulating wealth, but in living out God’s call to be generous and compassionate. When we honor God with our finances, we discover contentment and peace, no matter our circumstances.