2 Corinthians 9:7-8 (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.’ And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”
Generosity begins in the heart. Paul reminded the Corinthian believers that true giving is not driven by guilt or external pressure but by a willing, joyful spirit. God not only delights in cheerful giving, but He also promises abundant provision for those who give out of love and trust. The principle is clear: when we give generously, God supplies generously, not so we may store up for ourselves, but so we may continue to meet needs and bless others. Our giving reflects God’s character, who is Himself the greatest Giver. As we give with open hearts, we participate in His work and demonstrate our faith in His provision.
As we approach the end of the year, a season synonymous with giving, let’s look at three powerful opportunities to embody this cheerful generosity within our church family and the world.
1. The Benevolence Fund: Caring for Our Own
Our commitment to one another is a tangible expression of Christ’s love. The Benevolence Fund is vital, serving as our immediate resource to help members and regular attenders facing physical or financial crises. So far this year, we have been blessed to help 16 people or families, distributing a total of $9,200 to meet needs ranging from emergency housing to utility assistance.
Unfortunately, our fund is running low at the very time of the year when needs are often the most acute. Please prayerfully consider making a special contribution to the Benevolence Fund this coming Sunday, November 23rd. You can give online easily using our Church Center app, or in person by using the giving envelope in your bulletin.
2. Christmas Mission Offering: Reaching the Nations
Every Christmas, we take a special offering to advance the Gospel globally. This year, we will receive this offering on Sunday, December 21st. Half of this offering goes directly to the International Mission Board (IMB), supporting their global work, and the other half supports our other dedicated international mission partners.
This year, our focus is on helping Isaac and Felicia Castro, who are faithfully serving in Pachuca, Mexico. They urgently need a reliable vehicle to conduct their ministry—transporting supplies, reaching remote villages, and moving safely within the city. They estimate they can purchase a suitable vehicle in Mexico for around $8,000.00.
Remember the reason for the season: it’s Christ’s birthday! What better way to celebrate the birth of our Savior than by sending His light to the nations? Let’s partner with our missionaries and be exceedingly generous in our international missions giving.
3. Our “It’s Time” Generosity Initiative
Finally, let’s not forget the enduring commitment we made to our IT’S TIME three-year generosity initiative. This effort represents our over and above giving—the resources dedicated not just to maintaining our ministries, but to expanding our capacity and future vision.
Through IT’S TIME, we are funding our vision to strengthen our community engagement, elevate our ministry capacity, and fearlessly lay the foundation for our future growth. God is calling us to invest ourselves and our resources in greater levels of commitment to saturate Rocky Mount, Wilson, and the surrounding areas of Eastern North Carolina with the gospel of Jesus Christ. As the year draws to a close, please prioritize fulfilling your commitment to this transformative, long-term vision.
Let us be the cheerful givers God loves. Whether it’s caring for a local family, equipping international missionaries, or building for our future, every act of generosity is an act of worship that declares our complete trust in the One who has already provided us with everything we need.