For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. 2 Corinthians 8:12
“First, let me say that we have already received from God the ability to fulfill all his commands… When we use this ability in a right and fitting way, we lead a life of virtue and holiness… The virtue that God asks of us is the use of the same powers based on a good conscience in accordance with God’s command.”
Basil of Caesarea (330-379) in Rules as recounted Milton Walsh in Witness of the Saints: Patristic Readings in the Liturgy of the Hours (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2012) 538.
People often ask me, “How much should I give?” To that question, I always reply, “How much do you have?” I say this because the right and fitting use of any resources which are perishable is to put them in play or use them.
You would not keep fruits or vegetables on the counter for a year, would you? The same is true with material wealth. And this brings up an interested example that happened yesterday.
A friend of GTP learned that our remaining need to activate the major grant was still $140,000 by 31 December 2023. But he has a liquidity problem. In the past, he could transfer $10,000 or more to GTP.
But at this time, his funds are tied up in assets. So he acted in a “right and fitting” way. He offered the use of one of his assets. Let me explain. This is a fun story.
If you click here, you will see an amazing villa in Scottsdale, Arizona. It’s not just any airbnb. It has 16 beds in 7 rooms with 6 bathrooms. Enough for a multi-family gathering or a board retreat.
As a special opportunity, he has offered it for a week to the first ten people who send $5,000 to GTP and tell me they accept his offer. Of course, your don’t get a tax deduction as you receive the benefit in return, but you are able to help GTP.
The offer is good for the next 6 months or so, or from now until the summer. I checked and a week (7 days and 6 nights) in April or June goes for more than $10,000 for a week. If you are interested, act now.