America is a Giving Nation
Charitable giving statistics in the U.S. were reported as follows for 2013:
- 95.4% of households gave to charity.
- Americans gave $335.17 billion which is a 4.4% increase from 2011.
- Corporate giving held steady at $16.76 billion.
- Foundation giving increased to $50.28 billion--a 5.7% increase from 2011.
- The largest source of charitable giving came from individuals at $241.32 billion,
or 72% of total giving; followed by foundations ($50.28 billion/15%), bequests ($26.81 billion/8%),
and corporations ($16.76 billion/5%).
- The majority of charitable dollars went to religion (31%), education (16%), human services (12%),
and grant-making foundations (11%).
Charitable giving dipped a little bit in 2008, but giving is back on track again. I truly believe our nation is a very generous and giving nation because the nation was founded on biblical principles. Who said our nation is losing our grip on our faith in God? Our nation is still staying strong in our faith in God because our giving is strong.
We just finished a series on biblical finance from God’s perspective, and have learned that God loves people who share their wealth with others because God cares about our attitude in giving. Giving and sharing is very important to God.
One of the ways God evaluates our faith is on the basis of our giving and sharing attitudes. In Matthew 25:34-45, Jesus teaches one of the most exciting and yet sobering truths related to giving. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
Giving to the needy was a core part of Jesus’ teaching. Jesus always personally identified himself with the poor. What it means is that when we share with the needy, we are actually sharing with Jesus, and it becomes an act of worship, an expression of our love to him, and gratitude for his faithful provision.
So how are you doing with your giving and sharing with others? Are you still waiting until you have enough to give and share? It’s not about what I could give if I had $10,000 in savings later; rather it’s about what I could give with the $100 I have now. You can always begin with a small amount.
Jesus wants us to be like him who was that of an unselfish giver. Giving is one essential way that will enable us to become like Jesus. The more faithful you are in giving and sharing, the deeper the intimacy in your relationship with Jesus. And it doesn’t end there. Also in God’s economy, the benefit of the giver outweighs the receiver’s. The Apostle Paul said in Acts 20:35, “Remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” You would think you would lose when you give away what is rightly yours for the sake of others; rather, the opposite happens when you give to others. You would actually gain more. That’s the way God’s economy works! Have faith, and try it and see what happens…
From Pastor Neil’s Heart
March 1, 2015