Giving Tuesday

Today we’re celebrating something pretty special — Giving Tuesday.

After all the shopping, the lists, the leftovers, today is a reset.A reminder that generosity is one of the simplest and most joyful ways to live.

When we give, big or small, we’re reflecting the heart of God.

So let’s spend this time together with open hands, open hearts, and open minds… and maybe with a little fun along the way.

You know, Giving Tuesday is such a nice shift after the chaos of Black Friday.

Suddenly we go from, “I must find the best deal on headphones,” to, “How can I make life a little easier for someone else?”

That’s a pretty healthy pivot.

Here’s a little good news to brighten the day:

Last year on Giving Tuesday, a small-town bakery gave away over 500 loaves of bread — no questions asked — just so families could have something warm on their table.

Kindness is still alive and well. What a good reminder of how generosity changes things.

Giving isn’t about having extra — it’s about having a heart that notices needs.

And God speaks right into that.

2 Corinthians 9:7 (NLT) “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

That doesn’t mean loudly or dramatically — just willingly.

Cheerful giving can look like money, sure… but it can also be time, encouragement, attention, forgiveness, or simply kindness.

God never measures the size — He measures the spirit.

Let’s be honest — sometimes generosity gets… interesting.

Like when you try to sort through your closet for donations and realize you’ve kept clothes from three fashion decades because “maybe they’ll come back.”

Or when you bake something to share and accidentally end up eating half of it before it leaves the house.

Giving isn’t always tidy — but it’s still meaningful.

There was a story of a group of teens who pooled their allowance to buy blankets for a local shelter. When asked why, one of them said, “We just wanted people to feel warm.”

Simple. Direct. Beautiful.

Sometimes when we are asked to give, we hesitate. We think about our finances, and we can get caught up in that — I’m right there with you.

But there is something we need to remember, especially when God is directing us:

“I have enough to share, and God multiplies what I give.”

That’s the beauty of generosity — God fills what we pour out.

He provides our needs.

You know, Giving Tuesday reminds us that giving isn’t one-size-fits-all.

For some, it’s donating to a charity.

For others, it’s taking soup to a neighbor…giving someone the better parking spot…or offering patience when you’d rather not.

Generosity looks different in every home — and every version counts.

God just wants us to be willing and give as He leads.

One of the things I love about Giving Tuesday is that it pushes back against the idea that we’re supposed to live closed-off lives.

Generosity opens windows.

It changes atmospheres.

Not just for the person receiving — but for the one giving too.

Proverbs 11:25 (NLT) “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

When we pour out kindness, God pours joy back in.

Giving Tuesday gives us a chance to slow down, look around, and ask ourselves, “Where can my life be a blessing today?”

It doesn’t have to be big. Just intentional.

Let’s take a moment to pray. Beyond giving monetarily, we need to seek the Lord in how to give in general.

Lord, thank You for the simple gift of generosity. Show us today where we can give — whether it’s time, encouragement, or resources. Make our hearts soft toward others and help us reflect Your love in ways that matter. Bless every act, big or small, done in Your name. Amen.

You know, giving isn’t always glamorous.

Sometimes it’s saying yes when you’d rather say no.

Sometimes it’s sharing the last cookie even though your heart says keep it.

Sometimes it’s letting someone else have the good blanket — you know the one.(I have a heated blanket, and I would give it to my kids or husband if they really needed it more than me… even if they don’t think I would!)

In everyday life, generosity shows up in small, quiet choices.

And that’s real faith — not just believing, but living it out in ways that make other people breathe a little easier.

God uses ordinary kindness to do extraordinary things.

Here’s something to carry with you:

Giving isn’t about what we lose — it’s about what we gain.

Peace.

Purpose.

Connection.

And the joy of knowing we made someone’s day just a little brighter.

Giving Tuesday isn’t a moment — it’s a mindset.

A reminder that generosity is one of the most beautiful ways to live.

“What’s one small way you can practice generosity today?”

Just something to reflect on as you move through your day.