Share the Hope of Jesus

By: John Carrigan

Monday, April 6, 2026

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect… 1 Peter 3:15

In 2 Corinthians chapter 8, Paul says that God's grace empowers us to give, even when "the math doesn't work." Paul goes on to say the Macedonian churches were poor and afflicted, but God empowered them to be generous givers. He used the Macedonians as an example to encourage the Corinthian church to be cheerful givers too. We can all learn much about our own giving through Paul's instructions.

No one can outgive God because His generosity is boundless. Easter Sunday is the ultimate proof of God’s love and His giving. Our giving must reflect our gratitude for Christ's sacrifice. Our gratefulness helps us give freely, without compulsion, and it opens our eyes to the needs of others around us.

Churches often get a bad rap about money and finances. A common statement of unbelievers is: “All they want is your money.” They don't understand that when we give a portion of our income to God, it keeps the lights on, the air conditioners running, and the gospel flowing. Our giving blesses us, and others are being blessed too.

But our time is a precious commodity too. Christ followers must live with intention, because every moment is an opportunity for the gospel to go forth. Everything belongs to God, and time is a God-given finite resource. We don’t know when He’ll call us home, but we have eternal hope because we know where we’re going!

It’s incredibly sad, but our world is full of people who don’t know, don’t care, or have an incorrect understanding of death. The Good News is, for a Christ follower, death is not the end. Our world is in turmoil, and the only cure is Jesus! As His followers, our "job" is to tell others about Him and the eternal life that He is offering them.

When we help our local church, we are contributing to the expansion of God's Kingdom. But God doesn't tell us to "circle the wagons" in a holy huddle, He places people in our lives to hear our stories about Him. People like our families, friends, coworkers, and strangers in a store who need to hear His truth. It might sound hard, but the Holy Spirit will give us the right words. Our job isn’t to convert people; our job is to invite people. We plant a seed, another waters it, then God brings growth.

Don't just talk about Jesus at Easter, do it all year long!