One who gives to the poor will not lack, but one who shuts his eyes will have many curses. Proverbs 28:27, TLV

When and Where to Give?     With the cacophony of voices in the media and social media, the images of poverty and devastation seem overwhelming. A pervasive sense of the impossibility of making a difference can keep us from doing anything. Or worse, we ignore the faces, the needs, the good works that need help. Either way, the results are the same, we do nothing.

So how do we know when and where to give?

Where Do We Begin

Scripture tells us to begin at home. Our family, our congregation, our neighborhood, our community, and our city. Then, we expand our world of giving to others. With thousands of charitable organizations, how do we choose?

Pray. Pray for GOD’s discernment for us. Don’t just follow what others are doing. Ensure that what you give where is your calling. If everyone gave to one ministry, thousands of other works would wither away. He has called us to the works He wants us to support. And that’s not necessarily the ones our friends and family give to.

Vet. Knowing the people who run the ministry is helpful, but that’s not always practical. Search and vet how the ministry operates and what percentage of the funds actually go to the work, not just administrative costs. If you can find an organization that supports existing smaller ministries that can’t afford costly fundraising, I encourage you to pray about giving to them.

Personal. If there are ministries that benefit us personally, then giving back is a sweet way to help. Ministries that support us emotionally, physically, and spiritually, of course we want to give back.

Called to Give

GOD calls us to give. After our congregational tithes and offerings, He’s pretty clear about giving to those in need and those working to help those in need—especially in Israel.

We love giving to the local food banks. Likewise, it has been years since we had a yard sale—those items are now donated to families or organizations that use the items to raise funds for the poor.

We won’t lack by giving wisely, joyfully, and in obedience. We have that promise, too.

Think More About It

How do you choose who and when to give?

Until tomorrow, may we give with no lack, my friends.

Let the lying lips be mute.
For they speak arrogantly against the righteous,
with pride and contempt.
How great is Your goodness,
which You have stored up for those who fear You,
which You have given to those who take refuge in You,
before the children of men.
In the shelter of Your presence
You hide them from people’s plots.
You conceal them in a sukkah [shelter] from the strife of tongues. Psalm 31:19-21, TLV

Shall we pray together that Israel and her people will take their shelter in the LORD and not in their own wisdom? That as they huddle their families in bomb shelters as bombs and rockets descend that they will experience your goodness and protection. Parents who cover their children with their own bodies will know miracles of protection. Amen? God bless you.

Note: if you are looking for reputable organizations helping in Israel, please let me know. I know and have worked with several amazing ministries.