The highest form of giving
According to Jewish philosophy.
Greetings Prosperous Souls,
Before we begin, I’d like to pray for those impacted by the fires in Los Angeles. The flames hitting the area are truly devastating.
The crisis reminds me of Maui, where an entire town was wiped out in hours. I’ve already had two friends lose their homes. Please keep them in your prayers.
Thoughts on Giving
In today’s email, I’d like to talk about an interesting question that came up during a session last week. A client asked me, “When is it appropriate to cut off financial support from someone?” In other words, “When does giving become enabling?”
I admit I’m still working on this one. Dawna and I consider ourselves generous. We’ve supported friends throughout the years, even to the point of giving up rooms in our house.
The question is… when is it too much?
Before I answer, let’s explore an ancient Jewish principle on giving: Tzedekah. I think this will clarify my thoughts.
Tzedekah is a practice that empowers the poor to become self-sufficient. In other words, it’s about giving a sustainable gift, loan, or job to help someone get back on their feet.
What I love about Tzedekah is that it encourages long-term generosity. There’s a commitment that may go on for weeks, months, or even years.
The trick is, when you’re engaged in long term giving, to know when it’s time to move on. I think the answer is simple: when does the Holy Spirit tell you it’s time to stop?
One way is to ask yourself: “What’s my end goal? Am I simply giving for a limited time, or is there a long-term investment that requires sacrifice? If it’s long term, what’s my cut off point?”
A Real-Life Example
Last year during the months of August and September, Dawna and I housed a friend in need. We provided food and shelter. My oldest son even donated his car so they could get around. After our friend got a stable job, we decided it was time for them to move out.
Today, our friend has an apartment, a vehicle, and a steady job. They’re experiencing a sustainable lifestyle. That’s the power of Tzedekah!
Tzedekah is wonderful because it encourages donors to go the extra mile. Rather than relying on one-time gifts (which are great), it challenges you to truly meet others’ needs.
This week, ask the Lord if there’s someone you can give to for a longer period of time. But remember, only do so if you can stay within your means. Don’t give if it’s going to drive you deeper into debt. Get your house in order first, then help others.
Don’t miss our live meeting this afternoon
We’re back on for our live meeting today at 3:30 PM (CA time). Bring in your questions. You can download my free handout here.
God bless your Prosperous Soul,
Stephen K. De Silva
About: Stephen K. De Silva is an author, speaker, and financial mentor. From 1995 until 2017, he served as the CFO of Bethel Church, and a member of the senior leadership team. Stephen’s blend of experience, training, and gifting make him a pioneer in the subject of money. You can reach Stephen at hello@prosperoussoul.com