Matt Mings on 
Brian Niece on Relational Giving
Been gone for a while. It’s good to be back. Life has been hectic: lots of curveballs thrown our way. It’s been a good exercise in staying flexible (which is a nice way to say “obedient and useful for Christ’s kingdom”).
Some words from Mother Teresa have been haunting me the past few weeks:
Giving needs not be confined to money or material gifts, but I would like more people to give their hands to serve and their hearts to love–to recognise the poor in their own homes, towns, and countries, and to reach out to them in love and compassion.
–from My Life for the Poor
I came across this quote at a time when I and my staff are looking for second jobs because we will not be receiving full salaries beginning in May. It comes at a time when we had hoped to sell a large portion of land the church owns and be debt free. It comes at a time when are church is full of people starting out in the Christian story … people who won’t be able to support a local church with just 10% tithe. It comes at a time when God is certainly moving among us and working through us, but finances absolutely stink.
So, I’m haunted. Haunted by the prospect of fully giving myself and my family to walk in the way of Jesus that loves others and focuses on compassion for the disenfranchised. Haunted by the logistical hoops I jump through weekly and even daily to make sure bills get paid. Haunted by the radical nature of what Jesus is leading me, my family, and Grace Community into.
To give relationally (especially when none of my top strengths are relational strengths) is hard, and scary, and yet so completely necessary and vital for me and all Christ-followers.
I’m noticing how many times Jesus is quoted in scripture as saying “Don’t be afraid.” There’s a reason for that. I’m living it. It’s time to throw out our bread on the waters. It’s time to embrace the radical nature of a gracious God, and live the radical mission of a compassionate Christ.
SO TELL ME SOMETHING:
Are you with me? How will you give relationally?
——
Brian Niece
www.brianniece.com
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Category: Christianity, Justice, Sacramental Living, Serving Others Comment »