Day 3: Give

Read: Matthew 6:1-4

Recalling the times of tragedy in his own life, the late beloved children’s television host Fred Rogers once said, “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’”

In the wake of the Southern California fires and other recent catastrophes, our disaster sites, news channels, and social media feeds have been filled with the helpers Mister Rogers said we'd find. With tear-filled eyes, we scroll through countless stories of great heroism and service. But these stories aren't to be reserved for first responders, government officials, and humanitarians with deep pockets; if you are a believer in Jesus, you are called to be a helper too.

If you are wondering how to step into this God-given calling, start by simply finding a way to give. Generously offer whatever resources God has afforded you to help meet the broader needs of the community—and in times of calamity, the needs are many. What's more, Jesus provided us with important instructions on how to give. During His well-known Sermon on the Mount, He unraveled some of the deeply religious notions of His day as He sought to shape the attitudes around a few common exercises of faith—generosity, prayer, and fasting. It’s enormously valuable to give (and pray and fast); it's a vital part of crisis response. But your attitude—the way you think and feel as you respond—matters as well! “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them,” Jesus said. “If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:1).

It seems Jesus' generation wasn't so different from our own, which is often motivated by likes and follows. Give, but as you do so, take inventory of your heart. Don't boast in your giving, or strive to influence the way you are perceived or garner applause. Give with a heart that sincerely desires to love both God and people. Ironically, when we do so, we surrender the cheap and fleeting rewards of this world to instead inherit Kingdom rewards of immeasurable worth. As Jesus said, "Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:4).

Reflect:

• Read Proverbs 22:9, 2 Corinthians 9:7-8, and Luke 6:38. What is God saying to you through these passages?
• Do you ever feel tempted to give in a way that is easily seen by others? Why or why not?
• Read Revelation 22:12. How do the rewards of the world differ from the rewards of God
• When you give in sincerity, you honor the Lord and help to meet the needs of others. But how can righteous giving done in secret be a blessing to you as well? How might this help to sustain and encourage you as you navigate a crisis?

Respond:

• What abilities and resources has the Lord given you? How can these be used to meet the needs of those impacted by the fires? (Remember, your giving doesn’t have to be monetary.)
• Whether online, over the phone, or in person, connect with a few close friends or family members to discuss how you can work together to offer relief or support to your community. Write down your favorite ideas.
• Make a simple plan. Determine how and when you will take action through giving, both individually and alongside your personal circle. Write down the details of your plan, as well as any prayer requests you have with regard to it. Ask God to open doors and provide for any specific needs.