How often will we give to others in need, especially when it’s inconvenient?
Sadly, not enough.
According to the Charities Aid Foundation’s latest UK Giving Report, charitable acts akin to donating, volunteering, or sponsoring someone are at their lowest levels since 2016.
Among young people, the drop is especially steep: only 36% of 16–24-year-olds participated in giving in 2024, in comparison with 52% in 2019.
Even amongst those that promise to donate, only half follow through, although the report did find that among the many fewer who’re giving, they are sometimes giving generously.
Nonetheless, this trend is concerning, especially for us as Christians. Christianity and humanitarianism are deeply linked, not only historically, but spiritually – because God gave us all the things. And on the core of our faith is sacrificial love.
Jesus gave all the things
Scripture reminds us in John 3:16 that God gave us His most precious thing, His only Son, Jesus Christ “that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
The Word of God (Philippians 2:5–8; 2 Corinthians 8:9; Matthew 20:28) teaches us that Jesus, fully God, emptied Himself for our sake. Though He had every right to live in glory and luxury, the King of Heaven descended from His throne and selected the lowliest path to save lots of us. From birth in a manger, to living among the many poor and outcasts, to being crucified like a criminal (Luke 2:6-7; Matthew 8:20; Mark 2:16-17), Jesus poured out His entire life to save lots of us.
Why?
Because God loves us greater than we are able to imagine. Time and again, Scripture makes it clear that the sacrifice of Jesus was rooted in unfathomable love. “For God so loved the world …God demonstrates His own love for us on this…This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us…” (John 3:16; Romans 5:8;1 John 4:10).
Through Jesus’ poverty, we’ve got turn into spiritually wealthy (2 Corinthians 8:9). Through His death, we’ve got everlasting life. Through His Spirit, we are actually recognised as the youngsters of God – co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:16-17). Just because the prodigal son still had a claim to his father’s inheritance (Luke 15:11-24), we too, being God’s little kids, have a share in all the things that belongs to Him. We are, no doubt, abundantly blessed.
Blessed to be a blessing
But God never meant for us to hoard those blessings. Because we’ve been so richly blessed, we’re called to bless others in return – not only spiritually, but tangibly too. This is why Jesus identified the second biggest commandment as: “Love your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 22:39).
Loving like Christ means “bearing each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2) and being willing to “lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters” (1 John 3:16), just as He did for us. When we love this manner – actively and sacrificially – we reveal the guts of God to the world (John 13:35).
But to withhold love when we’ve got the means to offer? Scripture calls that selfish (1 John 3:17–18).
And our “neighbour” isn’t just our friend or family – it’s anyone in need. Jesus gave His life for the world (John 3:16), and He calls us to live for others.
Feeling compassion fatigue? You’re not alone
Maybe you’ve felt overwhelmed. so many needs, so many problems. You might have a look at the world and think, “There are too many problems. What can I possibly do?” I too have had those thoughts.
But God doesn’t ask us to repair the world on their own, He simply asks us to be faithful (Galatians 6:9). He’s still on top of things, even when all the things seems chaotic (Proverbs 19:21). As cliché as it would sound, it’s true – only God’s love can truly heal this world. And His love calls for motion (1 John 3:18). He desires to work through us – through our hands, our time, our giving – to bring healing, hope, and restoration.
And once we feel weary? We at all times have a spot to return. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all who’re weary and burdened, and I will provide you with rest.” In Jesus, there’s at all times rest. Always love. Always strength to start again.
You may additionally feel like what you may have to offer is just too small to matter. But remember the miracle of the loaves and fish (Matthew 14:13-21)? Jesus took a little bit and made it good enough. God doesn’t measure generosity by size, but by the love behind it. No act of kindness done in love is ever wasted – He treasures every offering, irrespective of how small, and multiplies its impact beyond what we are able to see.
Giving Is for everybody
In the New Testament, through the Book of Acts and Apostle Paul’s epistles, we see powerful examples of early churches giving generously – not from abundance, but from deep poverty; most significantly, all out of affection.
This shows us that charity isn’t only a calling for the rich, it’s a responsibility and a privilege for each follower of Christ.
We shouldn’t hold back. We’re called to pour out our love extravagantly, similar to Mary of Bethany, who broke her alabaster jar and anointed Jesus (John 12:3). Nothing was too costly for Him. And neither should anything be too costly for us to offer in love.
Let’s give like Jesus
Share. Serve. See to the needs of others and respond with open hands and hearts. Here are some ideas:
- Sponsor a baby
- Volunteer at a shelter or library
- Donate to a cause that stirs your heart
- Check in on a neighbour
Big or small, start somewhere. Act in love.
With just below two weeks until Easter, let’s use this Lenten season to reflect the charitable heart of Christ.
Let’s give because He gave us all the things.
