in our modern age of excessive abundance, how can we be more like Jesus and serve?
What can we give?
What does God want us to give in this modern age?
In our modern age of excessive abundance, where material wealth, technology, and entertainment are at our fingertips, the challenge of following Jesus’ example of service and sacrifice takes on a different form.
Unlike in ancient times, where physical needs like food, water, and protection were primary, today’s world is plagued by spiritual emptiness, social isolation, and moral confusion.
So, how can we be more like Jesus today?
What does God want us to give in an age where people often have “everything” yet still feel lost, disconnected, and unfulfilled?
1. Give Time – The Most Precious Modern Resource
- In a world obsessed with busyness, time has become more valuable than money.
- Jesus gave people his presence, attention, and love—he sat with sinners, healed the sick, and engaged with those who felt unseen.
- Ways to give your time today:
- Listen deeply to someone struggling (without distractions).
- Visit the elderly, the sick, or the lonely.
- Spend time mentoring or guiding the next generation.
- Be present with your family, truly engaging with them instead of being glued to devices.
“Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
2. Give Compassion – Help Heal Emotional & Spiritual Brokenness
- Our world is full of emotional wounds—people are drowning in depression, anxiety, and hopelessness.
- Jesus comforted the brokenhearted, forgave sins, and restored people’s dignity.
- Ways to give compassion today:
- Be patient and kind to difficult people—they may be fighting hidden battles.
- Forgive those who hurt you instead of holding onto resentment.
- Encourage others with uplifting words and acts of kindness.
- Offer prayer and spiritual support to those struggling.
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
3. Give Knowledge & Wisdom – Be a Light in the Darkness
- Many people today are spiritually lost—drowning in consumerism, distractions, and misinformation.
- Jesus taught people the truth, revealing God’s wisdom in a way they could understand.
- Ways to give wisdom today:
- Share knowledge that frees people from deception (spiritual, financial, relational).
- Teach young people values and morality in a world that downplays them.
- Speak the truth, even when it’s unpopular, standing against corruption and lies.
- Use social media and digital platforms to spread truth, not just entertainment.
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14
4. Give Resources – Support the Needy with What You Have
- Even though we live in abundance, many still lack basic needs—homelessness, hunger, and financial struggles still exist.
- Jesus fed the hungry, healed the sick, and provided for others without expecting anything in return.
- Ways to give resources today:
- Donate food, clothing, and essential items to shelters.
- Give money, but also financial wisdom, to help people out of cycles of poverty.
- Use your business, skills, or influence to create opportunities for the less fortunate.
“Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none, and whoever has food must do likewise.” – Luke 3:11
5. Give Courage – Stand for Righteousness in a Corrupt World
- Our world is full of fear, manipulation, and moral compromise—people are afraid to stand for what’s right.
- Jesus boldly spoke against injustice, called out corruption, and defended the weak.
- Ways to give courage today:
- Speak the truth in love even when it’s unpopular.
- Stand up for those who are oppressed or mistreated.
- Be a voice for the voiceless—whether that’s the unborn, the persecuted, or those suffering injustice.
- Lead with integrity in a world that promotes selfish ambition.
“The righteous are as bold as a lion.” – Proverbs 28:1
6. Give Forgiveness – Free People from the Chains of Guilt & Anger
- Modern culture encourages canceling people, holding grudges, and seeking revenge.
- Jesus forgave those who crucified him, and he calls us to forgive others.
- Ways to give forgiveness today:
- Let go of past hurts and forgive even when they don’t apologize.
- Encourage reconciliation between family and friends.
- Help others find God’s forgiveness, reassuring them that they are loved and redeemed.
“Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” – Luke 6:37
7. Give Service – Be the Hands & Feet of Jesus
- Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, showing that true greatness comes through serving others.
- Ways to serve today:
- Volunteer at shelters, food banks, or outreach programs.
- Offer your skills for free to those in need (e.g., legal help, therapy, teaching, counseling).
- Help a single parent, elderly neighbor, or someone struggling with daily tasks.
“Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant.” – Matthew 20:26
8. Give Love – The Greatest Gift of All
- In an age of selfishness, division, and hatred, love is the most radical thing we can give.
- Jesus loved unconditionally, embracing sinners, outcasts, and even his enemies.
- Ways to give love today:
- Show kindness to people who expect judgment.
- Love those who can’t repay you.
- Choose love over retaliation, even when wronged.
- Love sacrificially, expecting nothing in return.
“By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” – John 13:35
Final Thoughts: What Does God Want from Us in This Modern Age?
- Give your time to others – Be present.
- Give compassion and kindness – Heal broken hearts.
- Give truth and wisdom – Teach, correct, and guide.
- Give resources and help – Provide for the needy.
- Give courage and strength – Stand for righteousness.
- Give forgiveness freely – Release bitterness and bring peace.
- Give service and humility – Be Jesus’ hands and feet.
- Give love in all things – The greatest commandment.
In a world full of noise, distractions, and excess, giving these things is how we truly live like Jesus. It’s not about material wealth, but about pouring out what is eternal: love, truth, and service.
“Freely you have received; freely give.” – Matthew 10:8
