Giving Tuesday: When We Give, We Remember We Are Blessed
- Cheryl A.S. Hurley
- Dec 2, 2025
- 3 min read
“Every time we give—whether it’s time, talent, or treasure—we join God in what He’s already doing in the world.” – Rev. Cheryl A.S. Hurley
Giving Tuesday has become a beautiful global reminder that we are called to live generously. But for me, this year hits differently. I’m seeing Giving Tuesday through the lens of a recent missionary journey to South Africa, where I traveled with six other faith-filled brothers and sisters in Christ.
We didn’t just carry suitcases; we carried prayers, hope, and a quiet expectation that God would show up in us and through us. And He did!
Giving Isn’t Just What We Do—It’s Who We Are!
On Giving Tuesday, many think first of money and yes, financial giving matters. But God has placed something even more powerful inside each of us: spiritual gifts, time, and a heart willing to serve.
On our missionary trip, we didn’t arrive with all the answers. We arrived with what we had: encouragement, presence, love, compassion, prayer, and the gifts God uniquely placed within each of us.
“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit.” – 1 Corinthians 12:4
Giving Tuesday invites us to look beyond money and ask:
Am I offering my spiritual gifts?
Am I giving my time?
Am I using my resources to bless someone?
When we give in these ways, generosity becomes a lifestyle and not a one-day event.
South Africa Reminded Me: We Are All Connected
In South Africa, standing shoulder-to-shoulder in worship with believers whose language and culture differ from mine, I felt something life-altering: The Body of Christ is beautifully global.
There were moments of holy stillness. Moments where we were simply present:
Sharing smiles and stories
Watching children praise God with unfiltered joy
Encouraging pastors who serve
faithfully with fewer resources
Seeing communities stand in hope despite hardship
Giving Tuesday became more than “How can I give?”It became, “How can my life say yes to God both locally and afar?”
The Quiet Transformation That Happens When We Give
Something shifts in us when we give. In South Africa, I noticed:
My perspective changed.
My gratitude deepened.
My faith stretched.
Praise God for the love, the laughter and the smiles of the children.
I began seeing blessings I once overlooked such as clean water, electricity, consistent worship, healthcare, safety, and opportunities. And I became more aware of what God provides unseen: protection, strength, provision, divine timing.
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” – 2 Corinthians 5:7
Serving others has a way of revealing what God has been doing in our lives all along.
Seen and Unseen Blessings: Living With New Eyes
When we travel, serve, and give beyond our comfort zone, our spiritual vision sharpens. We begin to notice:
Seen blessings – family, church, home, health, community
Unseen blessings – protection, grace, doors opening, peace, restoration, divine alignment
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above…” – James 1:17
Giving Tuesday becomes a mirror that shows us just how blessed we truly are.
A Heartfelt Invitation This Giving Tuesday
I invite you into something deeper this Giving Tuesday:
Give your spiritual gifts
Give your time
Give your resources
Give your prayers
You don’t have to cross the ocean to live generously. You can begin right where you are. With one person, one prayer, one act of compassion.
Closing Reflection
As I think back on that journey with six incredible travelers, my heart is tender. We went to give, but we also received. We went to serve, but we were also strengthened. We went to pour out, but we came home transformed. And our Hosts, Missionary Loretta Jackson and Minister Martin...there are not enough words to express our humble gratitude for how they served us, their warm and loving hospitality and less I not forget the delicious meals she prepared. Oh and I can't forget their dog, Sir Black. This Giving Tuesday, may our lives whisper:
“Lord, thank You for the blessings I see and those I cannot. Show me how to give from the fullness You’ve placed within me—so Your love reaches my neighbor and my brothers and sisters around the world.”
May we not just observe Giving Tuesday. May we live it. Every day.
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