This is a simple challenge to Christians who will be receiving stimulus money as a part of the United States Coronavirus Stimulus Package:
If you don’t need the money, give it to someone who does.
Do you qualify for the stimulus, but if the thought of the stimulus never came up within our government, you’d get along fine? You’d be able to pay all of your essential bills and provide adequately for you and your family?
When you heard about the stimulus, were you planning on purchasing something with it like a four-wheeler, or finishing some renovations on your house?
Do you still have the same income you had before the quarantine?
If so, consider giving your stimulus money to someone who really needs it. Yes, they’ll be getting some stimulus money too, but how long will that last?
We all know someone who has lost their job due to this shelter-in-place. Someone who is laid off, not knowing how long this quarantine will last or how they are going to pay their bills. They didn’t do anything to be in this place of need, it is simply the need of this unique season of history we are in.
It’s not sinful to buy a four-wheeler, or renovate your home. But in a season where some are experiencing true famine and some are still experiencing plenty, hasn’t the Christian response in the Bible always been for those with plenty to give to those without?
I’m not setting up a program. I’m just asking you to think and pray about those in your own personal life who you know are hurting financially right now. Particularly someone in your church family. Or someone connected to a local Christian non-profit. As the Church, we are called to provide for our brothers and sisters in times of need.
If you are able to pass your stimulus money on to someone else who needs it more, please do.
Will you pass this challenge on to others to consider as well?
For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. They were pleased to do it… -Romans 15:26-27
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. -2 Corinthians 9:12-13
They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. -Acts 2:45
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. -Acts 4:32
F.A.Q. on Stimulus Checks, Unemployment and the Coronavirus Plan (New York Times)
Related:
The Flip Side Podcast, Episode 27: Finding Solid Ground in the Midst of a COVID-19 World
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