“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
– 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
There were many people in Listowel walking to collect funds for the recent Coldest Night of the Year (CNOY) initiative. The reason behind CNOY is to raise awareness and money to support the most vulnerable in our community. Every year, I pick one of my friends and support them financially in their walk. A friend of mine, involved with CNOY, commented that her group is concerned about the huge need that is within the community and whether they can meet the fundraising goals this year. I have been thinking about that; I also have concerns about the revealed statistics of need, about food inflation and the cost-of-living increases. People are struggling.
I have also noticed something in social media that has captured my attention.
I note if you post a cartoon or a captivating picture to Facebook; the likes and comments received are huge. However, if you post a picture about need, such as CNOY, there is little attention paid to that post.
For my friend’s CNOY post I noticed it had three likes out of a normal 50-plus likes for a post. Why is that? Is it apathy? Or is it something to do with those mysterious algorithms that run those sites? Wouldn’t it be amazing if each of my 400 Facebook friends chipped in $10? Think how collectively we could change the world… you do the math!
Jesus taught a spirit of giving. Through the ages people have been motivated by Jesus’ words. One person was Francis of Assisi who took very seriously Jesus’ teaching of care for the poor and the vulnerable among us. He examined his heart and decided he was not a joyful giver.
I recently read an article in CAPITA that noted there is a “Spirit of Assisi” movement within Francis’ teachings. It read, “The ‘Spirit of Assisi’ is, in part, a ‘spirit of renunciation’ that allows our fellow citizens who suffer in poverty and despair to have more by our living with less. Renunciation is one good answer to the question: how might we live well in this age?”
The author’s premise is to give up something and share the saved money with others. The season of Lent is almost here. Lent is a time for Christians to reflect on their lives and remember Jesus’ death on the cross. Maybe this would be a good challenge for you, to reflect on your heart and determine if you are a joyful giver. And by giving, I mean more than just money, it can be a sharing of time as well. May our giving provide hope, so others can live well in our age.
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Ernie Naylor serves as pastor at Atwood Presbyterian Church.
