This Sunday was all about why giving is also receiving. Those who regularly give know why they give, and often those reasons also include what they receive in return.
Giving and receiving are important parts of life, especially for Christians. The Bible teaches us about the joy and blessings that come from sharing what we have with others. When we give generously, we help those in need and show love to our neighbours. God’s word reminds us that giving is not just about money but also about kindness and time.
Some thoughts on giving to St Ursula’s:
- Giving is an act of worship: every time we give to St Ursula’s, we acknowledge what God has given to us, and put him at the centre.
- Giving is an act of faith: we give knowing that God will always provide.
- Giving to St Ursula’s is an expression of gratitude.
- Giving to St Ursula’s means that our ministry is funded and we can plan and grow as a church open to all seeking to worship in English in Bern.
- Giving deepens our faith and helps us to become more like Jesus.
Sometimes we have fears or doubts about giving. Many of us tend to worry about financial security. On the back of this page are some Bible verses with comments about giving. Please read through them, pray about your response to our campaign. We also seek to address specific stumbling blocks. See this post.
Included with this information sheet this week was also a commitment card for your next step. Our giving leaflet has also been totally revised for this campaign, and a copy is available for you to download from the Giving page of our website.
Bible Verses about Giving and Receiving
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” – Acts 20:35
This verse reminds us that true happiness often comes from helping others. When we lend a hand to those in need, we discover a profound sense of fulfillment. Giving is not only an act of kindness but also an invitation to experience God’s blessings. By sharing our resources, we cultivate compassion and strengthen our connection with the community. We learn to be a little more like Jesus.
“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 9:7
This verse encourages us to give with joy and willingness. When we choose to share from the heart, our acts of giving become genuine expressions of love. God values the intention behind our gifts more than the amount. Cheerful giving reflects our gratitude for all that God has given to us in Christ. By embracing this mindset, we not only bless others but also experience joy in using our resources for God’s work in the lives of others.
“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith just as you were taught, abounding with thanksgiving”. (Colossians 2: 6-7)
This passage encourages us to think about how Christ has worked in our lives and continues to do so as we follow him and grow in faith day by day. Our gratitude and thanksgiving manifest themselves in our daily lives and giving out of gratitude honours Christ and acknowledges his role in our lives.
Author: Sue Higson