The season of giving is upon us, and for Christians, giving is a fundamental part of their faith that extends far beyond Christmas. The American Bible Society (ABS) recently released their annual “State of the Bible: USA 2023” report, which once again highlighted the strong correlation between generosity and the Christian faith.
According to the report, practicing Christians are far more likely to give to charity compared to non-practicing Christians or non-Christians. The study defined a practicing Christian as someone who identifies as Christian, attends church at least once a month, and considers faith as a very important aspect of their life. Non-practicing Christians were those who missed one of the criteria, and non-Christians did not identify as Christian.
Only about one in five Americans met the criteria to be classified as a practicing Christian. Furthermore, the study found that Christians were nearly twice as likely to give to charity and were also more inclined to donate larger amounts.
The average donations made by Christians were significantly higher compared to non-practicing Christians and non-Christians. This trend was further emphasized by a high correlation between volunteer work and charity giving. Those who volunteered at church were more than twice as likely to donate at the highest level compared to those who didn’t volunteer.
The study highlighted the Biblical support for the link between Christian faith and generous giving, referencing specific scriptures that urge believers to give out of generosity. As Christians celebrate the Christmas season, it is important to remember the role of generosity in shining a light to the world.
C.S. Lewis once said, “The great thing is to be found at one’s post as a child of God, living each day as though it were our last, but planning as though our world might last a hundred years.” These timeless words serve as a reminder for Christians to continue living out their faith through acts of giving and service.
As the holiday season approaches, the ABS report serves as a timely reminder for Christians to embody the spirit of generosity and giving, not just during Christmas, but throughout the year. Through their actions, Christians have the opportunity to be a beacon of hope and love, not only to one another but to the world as a whole.
The ABS study further reinforces the biblical teachings on the importance of giving, demonstrating the profound impact of Christian faith on acts of generosity. As Christians reflect on the true meaning of Christmas, the spirit of giving and selflessness becomes even more significant, serving as a powerful testament to their faith.
