FEEL THE PAIN, FUEL THE MISSION: FIGHTING BACK WITH GENEROSITY

When heartbreak and holy anger collide, Christians are called not just to feel, but to act. Discover how your generosity can help heal a hurting world.

Get Mad. Give More.

It was 3:00 a.m., and I woke up with these four words in my head: “Get mad. Give more.”

Then, as I prayed, deep questions bubbled up: “Which needs aren’t being met in the world? Where can Christians make a greater impact? Why don’t we reflect God’s generosity more?”

And then came the personal questions: “Why aren’t you giving more? Doesn’t it grieve you that people are hungry, homeless, without clean water? That children have no families? That some souls haven’t heard about Me?”

I felt God impressing this message on my heart. “I gave you those feelings. But feeling isn’t enough. Act. Mirror my generosity. Give extravagantly. Share your passion and challenge others to do the same.”

So, here we are. God is calling me to “Get mad” and “Give more.” What follows is my story and what I’ve learned. Maybe it’s your call too. We have countless opportunities. Let’s explore how generosity can heal a hurting world and glorify our generous Father.

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There are days when I look at the world and feel like screaming, "This is not okay!"

I see or hear of pain in every direction: hungry children, people sleeping in alleys, families with no clean water, entire villages without God's Word. It breaks my heart. And I know I'm not alone in that.

But I'm increasingly realizing that those intense emotions are not supposed to paralyze us - they're meant to propel us. God allows us to feel so that we'll move.

There's a holy kind of anger that isn't rooted in bitterness but love. It's the same fire that burned in Jesus when He overturned the tables in the temple (Matthew 21:12-13). And it's the same fire God wants to kindle in us - not so we'll get mad, but so we'll give. Not just comfortably. But extravagantly. Exuberantly. Even sacrificially.

We need to give more. Intentionally. Urgently.

Here are five complex problems that weigh on my heart:

1. Hunger and Malnutrition

About 25,000 people die daily from hunger-related causes, mostly children (World Hunger Organization).

God’s heart on this couldn’t be clearer:

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice… Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter?” (Isaiah 58:6-7, NIV)

Organizations such as Compassion International and Samaritan’s Purse are stepping up to meet this need by feeding children, supporting families, and bringing the hope of Christ into the most challenging places. A small monthly gift from one individual can provide food for a child for an entire month.

We are being presented with a fantastic spiritual opportunity. Let's give what stretches us.

2. Homelessness: “Whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”

According to the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, over 653,000 individuals experienced homelessness on a single night in 2023.

Globally, the figures continue to rise, often linked to conflict, disasters, mental health issues, and poverty.

When the Israelites wandered in the desert after fleeing Egypt, they had no permanent home. They were vulnerable, unsettled, and dependent on God’s provision (Exodus 16–17). God didn’t criticize them for needing help; He provided for them. That same heart beats today for those experiencing homelessness in our communities.

Proverbs 14:31 reminds us:

“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”

Organizations such as Springs Rescue Mission in Colorado Springs exemplify this commitment daily by offering food, shelter, mental health services, recovery programs, and pathways to stability. With enhanced support, they could accomplish even more.

3. Lack of Clean Water

According to Water.org, 771 million people still lack clean water access.

Jesus said:

“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones… truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” (Matthew 10:42)

Organizations such as Charity: Water, Living Water International, and Water Mission are addressing this issue village by village, and I’m so happy they are.

Yet, I sometimes wonder if my gift is too small to matter.

But then I remember the boy with the loaves and fish and how Jesus can accomplish so much with so little when it is surrendered to Him. My small gifts do matter, and so do yours.

4. Children Without Families

UNICEF says around 140 million children are orphans worldwide. Over 400,000 are in the U.S. foster system (AdoptUSKids).

God’s heart has always been tender towards the vulnerable: “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling. God sets the lonely in families…” (Psalm 68:5-6)

Whether supporting ministries like Lifeline Children’s Services or assisting international orphan care efforts, even small acts of generosity can be a bridge to hope for a child who feels (and sometimes is) alone in the world.

Let's not be content knowing a child is "someone else's responsibility." Let's rise like it's our son or daughter out there. Because to God, it is.

5. Bible Poverty

According to Wycliffe Global Alliance, more than one billion people still lack access to the complete Bible in their heart language.

If that doesn't light a fire in us, I don't know what will.

Romans 10:14 asks:

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?”

Organizations like the American Bible Society, Wycliffe, Seed Company, and Faith Comes By Hearing aim to share God’s Word with every tribe and tongue. With more support, this generation could be the first to see the Bible reach every language. Let's help finish the Great Commission in our lifetime.

What's Holding Us Back In Our Giving?

My guesses: Worry that we won't have enough for ourselves. Our comfort. Distractions. The lie that "someone else will take care of it." But Jesus didn't go to the cross so we could live cautious, calculated lives.

God’s promise stands:

“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion…” (2 Corinthians 9:11)

Generosity isn't just a suggestion. It's our identity.

We are the people of the open hand. The poured-out heart. The joyful giver.

Jesus didn’t ask us to fix it all.

He asked us to offer what we have…

and trust Him with the results.

Feel the Pain. Fuel the Mission.

So, here's my invitation, from one believer to another:

Let's stop playing small.

Let's feel the pain of this world and let it ignite our mission.

Let's give like we've been given to. Lavishly, lovingly, sacrificially.

If you're tired of seeing brokenness and ready to do something about it, these steps are for you:

• Notice the needs that resonate with your heart.

• Ask God where to step in.

• Start giving consistently, joyfully, and even extravagantly. It's okay to start small. Allow your generosity to grow.

• Share stories and inspire others.

• Trust God to multiply your offerings.

Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) Let's live like we believe it.

Feel the pain. Fuel the mission. Together, we can flood this hurting world with the love of Christ.

Closing Prayer

Father God, break our hearts for what breaks Yours. Stir us to action. Teach us to give boldly, pray faithfully, and love deeply as we serve a hurting world in Your name. Amen.

P.S.

Looking for trustworthy charities? Check out Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or CharityWatch to learn how organizations use their funds and how effective they are. Just a few minutes of research can increase your impact for the Kingdom.