Faith Over Fear
Faith Over Fear: Trusting God When Life Feels Uncertain Fear is one of the most powerful emotions we experience. It can creep into our minds quietly
The term “Season of Giving” is loved around the world, but for believers, it carries a much deeper meaning. It is not simply a time of exchanging gifts, attending holiday events, or participating in community drives.
The Season of Giving is rooted in the very heart of the Gospel, a God who loved us so much that He gave His only Son. (John 3:16)
The Bible does not merely encourage giving, it reveals that giving is at the core of God’s nature.
“The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.” (Genesis 2:7) Every moment of our lives is a gift.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:8) Grace is not earned; it is given.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” (John 3:16)
Christmas is ultimately the celebration of God’s greatest act of generosity. The Season of Giving exists because God gave first.
Jesus gave the gift of salvation and eternal life for Believer’s. He also gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit.
The Gift of the Holy Spirit was given to all Believer’s, and the Fruit of the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, and faithfulness.
We give and receive gifts at Christmas in celebration of Jesus’s birth. Although it has been said that Jesus wasn’t born on December 25th, that’s the day we celebrate with friends and family. Giving is not a seasonal concept for the believer; it is a lifestyle. And yet, this particular season, from late November through the New Year, creates a unique moment where hearts are open, compassion increases, and opportunities multiply for the body of Christ to carry out His work on earth.
I was temporarily homeless as a child with my mother in California. The following is a poem that I wrote about it:
Train Whistles
Train Whistles, I hear you.
How you haunt me so.
When I was a little girl,
only five years old.
In a cold, railway station,
as we wrestled for sleep.
On a hard wooden bench.
Bad dreams forever keep.
Strangers around us.
No place to go.
I’m hungry, Mother.
Don’t you know?
My mother and I,
so lonely and blue.
No place for us.
If we only knew.
Train whistles, I hear you.
How you haunt me so.
When I was a little girl,
Only five years old.
©Linda Thompson (Kasper) 1994
Generosity is something we can teach, model, and pass down for generations.
Jesus said, “Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (Matthew 6:20) Every act of love, compassion, or generosity becomes a seed sown into eternity.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the greatest gift ever given, your Son, Jesus Christ. As we enter this Season of Giving, open our eyes to the needs around us. Give us hearts that mirror Your generosity, compassion, and love.
Use us to be Your hands and feet to families, children, the hurting, and the hopeless. Help us give not from obligation but from joy, gratefulness, and faith. May every gift we give point others to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
This season, let us remember:
When we give, whether it is time, compassion, finances, or simple acts of kindness, we are participating in the work of the Kingdom.
Blessings and love, Linda Kasper of Hearts and Grace
Faith Over Fear: Trusting God When Life Feels Uncertain Fear is one of the most powerful emotions we experience. It can creep into our minds quietly
Jesus Is Calling, But Now What? When Jesus is Calling, Here’s How to Answer Without Panic: We’ve all heard it: that stirring in your heart
Mustard Seed Faith A Mustard seed is very tiny. A mustard seed is only 1-2 millimeters in size. Almost forgettable. But under the right conditions,
Time With Jesus Before Screen Time: You sit down to pray, but somehow, you’re on Instagram 3 minutes later. It happens to the best of