‘Tis the season of giving. Opportunities are everywhere. Bell-ringers at storefronts. Charities year-end needs in your mailbox. Special offerings at your church. ‘Tis the season we can be otherish in our love.

Otherish love is God-powered, self-sacrificing, & other-centered. Otherish love is God’s love. “God so loved the world that he gave his one & only son,” says John 3:16 (italics added).

But with so many choices, what's a person to do? Wouldn't it be nice as a follower of Christ to make Spirit-led choices? Guilty-conscience choices can dominate your mind & rob your joy.

Your time. Your talents. Your treasures. Each of these resources have limits.

How can you make good choices with your resources?

Know your heart. What are you passionate about? There will be many appeals to you, but which appeal best fits your God honoring, personal passion?

Know your budget. Have you ever got into financial trouble through giving too much? Not sure? Think back to recall previous January’s credit card bills. Give generously, Brothers & Sisters, but not at the expense of your financial obligations or into debt.

Know your God. God is a giver. He has blessed you with time, talents, & treasures to give. Ask Him where He would have you give each of them & obey.

“No” what doesn’t fit. If any request to give doesn’t fit the three “knows” above, then kindly say, “No, thank you,” with no regret. You give as God calls.

I pray that you become more deeply aware of who God has called you to be & how He desires you to serve Him & others.

I pray that you give generously as you share God’s otherish love by word & deed as God calls.

I pray that you know God's abiding joy as you give this Christmas.

God so loved.

So He gave.

You so love.

'Tis the season.

To give.