As we approach our Annual Fall Drive which officially kicks–off on “Giving Day” Wednesday, November 13, 2024, I wanted to share a passage of Scripture that my wife and I have been reflecting upon as we have been thinking about giving to the lovely mission at Calvin Christian School. In the 8th chapter of the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul under inspiration of the Holy Spirit reveals some of the most beautiful and profound statements about the nature of our Triune God, and the earth-shattering hope we have. We read words like these: “We are more than conquerors through Him (Jesus) who loved us….and NOTHING will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord”(v. 37-39). WOW!!!! This passage, by the way, is one of the core passages for Calvin’s Missional Deep Hope statement – read more about that in this year’s Cord magazine or on our website under “Our Approach.”
I would like for a moment, however, to focus on a verse that precedes the wonderful, hope-filled close to Romans chapter 8. It’s verse 32
“He (God the Father) who did spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?
I am certain that you have heard the phrase before that we cannot out–give God.
With “mic-dropping” profundity, this verse tells us why! It is simply an understatement to say that God is a radical giver! We might be inclined to think to ourselves that God can “afford” to give radically because He is, after all, God. Yet – don’t miss the second part of this verse – we who are His children because of His gift of Jesus, have also been given everything else.
My wife and I have been pondering these beautiful truths in our hearts. We realize our need to confess that apart from understanding the unbelievable giving nature of God the Father, Son & Holy Spirit, we will not only not be joyful givers, but will be trapped in the transactional nature of quid pro quo, which, according to Romans 8 just does not exist. We invite you to meditate on these words of Scripture, and allow your hearts to receive all He has given to you. Perhaps there is no better way to ponder the richness of this year’s school theme, than through the lens of God’s model of giving.
Dr. Jeff Pratt
Head of School
To Delight in & Create Beauty
