Question: How do we keep the spirit of giving if we are struggling to make ends meet in our own lives? Struggling

Answer: Dear Struggling,

This is not an easy question but what I used to do is look at my monthly income and then determine what percentage I was going to give to charity. 

For me, “charity” included contributions to church as well as other causes, such as the American Red Cross, Feeding America, etc.

The truth is that we can always give more even if our current situation has us over-obligated to things we “must” pay, such as rent, food, etc. My own suggestion would be to give a tenth of what we make and then a little bit more, such as $10 or $25/month. 

And there is no “right” answer. What is good for me may not work for you and vice-versa. There is a New Testament verse that states, “God loves a cheerful giver.”

But I tell my church we’ll be glad to accept anything you want to give, regardless of whether you’re “cheerful” or not!

Merry Christmas and bless you for thinking of others!

The Rev. C. L. “Skip” Lindeman
Upland Christian Church, Disciples of Christ