My church is about to break ground on a new building. We have been working hard to pay off existing debt and budget for the new building that will unite the congregation from the two services we have had for the past six years into one big family. It will be a dream come true! So why would we give away $10,000 now as we are preparing to build?

The idea of giving away $10,000 to strangers in need is rather bizarre in the natural — but that is exactly what the pastors, trustees and leaders of Victory Fellowship Church (VFC) felt like God would have them do. So, in December as the world was celebrating Christmas and giving gifts of love, VFC decided to give a gift of love to 735 strangers in seven South Georgia counties. The church partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a national, non-profit organization that targets people who simply cannot afford to pay their debt, especially veterans. RIP Medical Debt investigates each person’s financial liability and determines true need. They were a great asset in helping the church become the hands and feet of Jesus. A total debt of $1,138,983.98 was paid with the $10,000 donation VFC gave. A new year and a new beginning were gifted to some who were truly in need.

The scripture says, “But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before Him.” 1 John 3:17-19  (NKJV) 

What an individual and a church do with their resources reflects their commitment to the kingdom of God and their character as defined by the Bible. In financial counseling I have always suggested  the counselee look at his checkbook. Where a person spends their money is where their heart is. A founding principle at VFC has been to set aside a tithe of all the offerings received for those in need, focusing on giving a “hand up, not just a handout.” 

Often the church is judged by the ungodly who feel entitled to assistance. Poor choices and bad attitudes set up an individual in a need cycle. Lifestyle changes and personal responsibility position this individual for the grace of God to flow. The church needs to love in deed and in truth but the individual also needs to make lifestyle changes so the debt, need cycle is broken. 

I am so proud of the actions taken by my church. I am happy to tithe and give to a church that loves in deed and in truth. I’m believing that 2020 will be a year for a new sanctuary and more giving by VFC to those in need. The balance of the two visions is very important.  

Consider the following scripture that gives guidance to the family of God concerning loving in deed and in truth. 

John 13:34-36 (NKJV)  “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”