Give From the Heart — Not From Pressure

As the holidays approach, our inboxes, timelines, and community boards all seem to overflow with requests for help. Food drives. Fundraisers. Donation links. Volunteer pleas. It can feel like everyone is asking for something — and in many cases, they are.

And while every one of these causes may be meaningful, being inundated with so many appeals can become overwhelming. You might even feel guilty for not being able to give to everyone, or stressed trying to decide who to support, how much to give, and whether you’re “doing enough.”

But the truth is simple: you’re not called to give under pressure. You’re called to give from the heart.

Give What You’ve Decided in Your Heart — Not Under Compulsion

One of the clearest, most reassuring reminders comes from 2 Corinthians 9:7:

“Each of you should give as you have decided in your heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Giving was never meant to be a burden. It isn’t a competition. And it certainly isn’t supposed to be something that fills you with anxiety because your bank account, schedule, or season of life isn’t the same as someone else’s.

The Widow’s Mite — A Gift Richer Than Wealth

In Mark 12:41–44 and Luke 21:1–4, Jesus draws attention to a widow who gave two small coins — all she had. Others were putting large sums into the temple treasury, but Jesus declared her offering greater because hers was given with genuine sacrifice, humility, and trust.

The message is timeless:God values the spirit of generosity far more than the size of the gift.

A small, sincere offering given joyfully carries more weight than a large gift given reluctantly, out of guilt, or because “everyone else is doing it.”

If You Can’t Give From Your Purse, Give From Your Time

And generosity isn’t limited to money. Your time — your presence, your energy, your compassion — can often be the greatest gift of all.

Speaking as someone who coordinates two major volunteer groups, I can tell you firsthand:people who give their time often make the deepest impact.Showing up, helping others, listening, contributing skills — these things create ripples that no dollar amount can match.

Don’t Let the Plethora of Requests Steal Your Peace

It’s okay to see all the needs and feel compassion. But it’s also okay to set boundaries, choose what’s meaningful to you, and give cheerfully rather than anxiously.

Give because your heart leads you.Give because the act brings you joy.Give because generosity, in any form, is sacred.

And remember:You don’t have to give to everyone. You just have to give with love.