When I was a young adult, I often responded quickly when I saw a financial need. I would give whatever I could to help. Sometimes, though, I gave almost everything I had—forgetting that I still had bills to pay!

I had the cheerful giver part down, but I needed to learn how to be a responsible giver. If I’m honest, my generosity was sometimes reckless. In trying to meet someone else’s needs, I left myself needing help as well.

As I became more responsible, I adjusted my giving to account for my obligations. But somewhere along the way, something changed: I began giving only out of my excess.

Then another shift happened. My excess seemed to get smaller and smaller. What I considered my “need” increased, and my sharing decreased. It wasn’t malicious or even conscious. Little by little, I simply found less to spare.

Over time, that shift made me uncomfortable. And I knew why.

Hebrews 13:16 says, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.”

The Holy Spirit prompted me to give this more attention. I began to recognize that God wasn’t calling me to keep redefining my needs until I had little left to share. He was inviting me to give sacrificially from what He had entrusted to me. That means my generosity should cost me something.

I don’t want to return to being an irresponsible giver, but I don’t want responsibility to become an excuse for giving only when it’s easy. My heart still needs to stretch.

As we approach the holidays, we have plenty of opportunities to practice that kind of generosity. But we have to be open to seeing the needs around us: food collections, toy drives, and people who could use some extra love and attention.

The holiday season can fill our calendars, homes, and shopping lists. This verse invites us to make room for someone else—to notice a need and share what we have.

That might mean giving money or providing a meal. It might also mean offering our time, listening without rushing, or inviting someone who would otherwise be alone. We don’t need abundant resources to begin. We need a willingness to notice and respond.

Will you make it a point this season to do good and share with others? Make room in your calendar. Adjust something in your budget. Talk with your family. Plan something with your small group.

Every need represents a person Jesus loves. When we make sacrifices to care for others, God is pleased. What a joy it is to know that our generosity can bring pleasure to the Lord!