The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 8–9, encouraged the Corinthian congregation to join with other congregations Paul had planted in a gathering of gifts to share with the saints in Jerusalem who were suffering because of persecution and famine. In that appeal, Paul wrote, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” We may not realize that when God moves us to give gifts, besides providing for ministry needs, our gifts cause thanksgiving among God’s people.

On Thanksgiving Day, it might be your family tradition to go around the table naming something for which you are thankful. What would happen if we changed our focus to: who has shown thanksgiving because of something God empowered me to do with his gifts? While giving is never meant to be bragging, the giving of our gifts can be an inspiration for others to give.

With that in mind, if you have put a Lifetime Plan for Giving in place from your estate, to family and ministry, have you shared that plan with those closest to you? By sharing, they get to rejoice in God’s indescribable gifts, and they get to begin considering how they can do the same. May the Lord bless your sharing! If you would like assistance in setting up a family meeting for this purpose, your LCMS Foundation gift planning counselor can help.

Jason Jones, CGP, CDE, is Saint John’s Gift Planning Counselor. Jason works with individuals in our congregation who want to discover the lifetime plan that God has planted in their heart. He will help them to use this plan to Transfer the Blessings God has given them to their family and the ministries they love. This service comes to you at no cost as a member of Saint John’s. To schedule a free meeting with Jason or ask questions about this special opportunity, visit www.StJohnsFC.org/transfer-the-blessings, call (970) 988-0305 or email Jason.Jones@lfnd.org.