“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:36-40
“Young adults do not want to just do something good when it is possible to do something great. We can give enough money to pay for dinner for someone who is hungry, which is a good thing to do, but why would we not also look for a way to do something great, such as making sure that person is not hungry again come morning?
It is inspiring and encouraging to see gifts and acts of generosity not out of excess and what is left over, not out of the sense of sure footedness of standing on solid financial ground, but rather from a sense of hope and faith in the ability of the church to do something great — like the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
Look at the rise in giving to organizations doing sustainable mission work or micro-lending. Maybe young adults, and all of us, are ready to do more than provide one meal. We can put faith in the gifts and skills of others, offering more than distanced charity. We can provide hands-on support and relationships. We can make sure that our gifts of money and time are not just about us and what we can offer but are also examples of ongoing generosity and encouragement, leading to more examples of the same.”
Justin Rabbach in “Encouraging Greatness” in Giving: Growing Joyful Stewardship in Your Congregation, volume 20 (Richmond: EMS, 2018) 22-23.
Rabbach offers keen insight for inspiring generosity in young adults. Offer “more than distanced charity” and give them hands-on opportunities to show their love of God by extending love to neighbor. My wife, Jenni, and I would add that starting early helps get young adults on the trajectory of generous service.
For us, we took our children on a trip to Mexico to build homes for the poor when they were in elementary school. It was eye-opening for them, for all of us! We combined that with regular opportunities to serve locally in their teenage years, and now its great to see them serve as young adults, as Rabbach writes, “from a sense of hope and faith in the ability of the church to do something great.”
After a great two-day conference and strategic meetings at the home of Gary and Debbie Williams, I think about the kind feedback I received after teaching one plenary session and four workshops. Many said, “Gary, thanks for coming all the way from America to teach us. It was just what we needed. We are so grateful!”
When we offer “more than distanced charity” but make great and loving sacrifices to go where help is needed, we serve generously. What might it look like for you to offer “more than distanced charity” with the abilities and resources that God has entrusted to you? How you generously aid others disciples them to love and serve likewise.
And some times you get blessed unexpectedly in bringing aid. For example today, outside the home of Gary and Debbie Williams, I was stunned by the beauty of an enormous poinsettia, the size of a tree (pictured above)! It led me to pray that the fruit of generosity blossoms in each of us like this plant, so that people see Christ in us!