When Jesus shared the story of the Good Samaritan, He was answering a legal expert’s question about the law that commanded them to love their neighbor (Lev. 19:18). Jesus wanted to make the point that the neighbors we are to love are not just the ones who are easy to love, but also those we may dislike.

John Wesley brought educational and moral reform to England through his powerful sermons and writings. He held unique perspectives on the Christian life that challenged his parishioners, ideas that continue to energize Christians to this day.

You are no doubt familiar with the story in Matthew 22 where the Pharisees tried to trip Jesus up by asking him a loaded question, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” Much is made of the issue in the discussion about taxes and religious institutions--but the original context is often lost.

As we develop a lifestyle of giving, we naturally focus on what we should give and how much. What about the other side of the equation--the receiving side? How do we determine which ministries to support? We are drawn to ministries that meet needs we care about, and we give in good faith, believing our gifts will be used wisely. When we decide to financially support an organization, we might think our job is done, but there is more to our responsibility as good stewards.

When our love is not for money but for the Father who is the owner of all, we are on our way to a giving lifestyle. We check our motives for accumulating wealth and ask God what He would have us do in our ministry of stewardship—we seek to make His priorities our own.

Sometimes our work can seem unfulfilling. Have you noticed that there are people who absolutely thrive doing what appear to be the most mundane jobs?

If you are familiar with gardening, growing fruit trees, or farming, you know that wonderful feeling when you discover fruit beginning to form. Each time you plant, you wait for that day when your flowers, fruit, vegetables or grain first sprout, then bud, and are finally ready to harvest.