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Season of Giving, Part 2 - Giving in Jesus’ Name




Scripture Reading:
“But Peter said, ‘I have no silver and gold, but I give you what I have; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk’” (Acts 3:6, RSV).

Opening Reflection

We live in a world where need is everywhere—needs that are physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual. Often when we’re confronted with these needs, our first thought is: What do I have to give?

Peter and John faced that same question outside the temple gates. A man, lame from birth, looked at them expecting coins. Instead, Peter’s response pointed beyond silver and gold: “What I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

Giving in Jesus’ name is more than a transaction—it’s transformation.

A Modern Example

When the Kresge Foundation awarded a grant to Ouachita Baptist University in 1975, Stanley Kresge added a handwritten endorsement: “In the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ.” That simple phrase revealed his motivation. His giving wasn’t just philanthropy—it was discipleship.

Like Peter and John, he gave not simply to meet a request but to witness to the greater name behind the gift.

Three Truths About Giving in Jesus’ Name

1. When you give in Jesus’ name, there is response.
The beggar’s need was obvious. Peter and John responded—not with money, but with compassion and faith. Our churches also have obvious needs: facilities, staff, ministries, and missions. But beyond budgets, giving is our heartfelt response of love and gratitude to God. As one bumper sticker wisely put it: “If you love Jesus, tithe—anybody can honk!”

2. When you give in Jesus’ name, there is resource.
Peter didn’t give what he didn’t have—he gave what he did have: the power of Christ. In the same way, God doesn’t call us to give what’s out of reach, but to steward faithfully what He’s already entrusted to us. A portion of all we earn is ours to return, joyfully and intentionally, back to God.

3. When you give in Jesus’ name, there is reward.
The lame man leaped, walked, and praised God. Something wonderful happened—and Peter got to be part of it. When we give in Jesus’ name, we too share in the joy of seeing God’s kingdom advance. The reward isn’t always material. More often, it’s the deep satisfaction of partnership in God’s work.

The Heart of the Matter

Giving in Jesus’ name is never wasted. It always points people beyond us to Him. It is an act of worship, a response to grace, and a testimony of faith.

When you give in His name, you are saying: “What I have is from Christ, and what I give is for Christ.”

Reflection Questions for the Season of Giving

  1. Do I see my giving as an obligation, or as a response of love and gratitude to Jesus?

  2. How might I begin giving from what I do have instead of focusing on what I don’t?

  3. What is one way I can experience the joy of giving in Jesus’ name this week?

Closing Thought

The man at the temple gate asked for coins but received healing. Our world is filled with people asking for one thing when what they truly need is Christ. When we give in Jesus’ name, something wonderful happens—lives are changed, faith is strengthened, and God is glorified.

So let’s not simply give to needs; let’s give in His name.

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