Choosing Generosity When Fear Says “Hold On Tighter”

There’s something that happens inside us when things feel uncertain—we want to hold on tighter. I’ve seen it in little ways right here at home in Tucson… stocking up a little extra, double-checking what we have, making sure my family is okay. And there’s nothing wrong with wanting to care for your people—that’s part of being a mom.

But if I’m honest, there’s a line. A quiet shift that can happen from “being prepared” to “holding too tightly.” And when fear is driving that, it can start to close off our hearts without us even realizing it.

That’s why day three of Not Afraid really hits home. Because it gently reminds us that even in uncertain times, we’re called to live differently.

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This devotional brings up something we don’t always want to talk about: our natural instinct during a crisis is to think about ourselves first.

And listen—that’s human. When things feel shaky, we want to protect what we have. We want to make sure our family is safe, fed, and cared for. That’s not wrong.

But as followers of Jesus, we’re called one step further.

We’re called to be sacrificial, not selfish.

Philippians 2:3–5 reminds us to walk in humility—to not live focused only on our own needs, but to care deeply about others too, carrying the same heart that Jesus had.

And when you really stop and think about it… Jesus never held back.

He gave.

He served.

He loved.

He sacrificed.

Even when it cost Him everything.

That’s the example we’re following.

In times of crisis, it’s easy to turn inward. To focus on what we might lose. To gather and hold tightly to what we have. But as believers, we’re called to stand out in those moments—not by fear, but by faith in action.

There’s a difference between preparing wisely and living selfishly.

Yes, we take care of our families. Yes, we listen to wise guidance. But we don’t do that at the expense of others. We stay open. Aware. Willing.

The early Church lived this out so beautifully—they shared what they had and made sure no one was left behind. It wasn’t about buildings or titles. It was about people.

And today, that calling is still ours.

We are the Church.

So when the world says, “Take care of yourself first,”

we remember who we belong to.

We look around.

We reach out.

We give when we can.

Because sometimes the most powerful witness in a crisis…

is simple, quiet generosity.

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• It’s okay to prepare—but don’t let fear turn preparation into selfishness.

• Ask God to show you who around you might need help.

• Generosity doesn’t have to be big to matter—small acts count.

• Following Jesus means choosing others, even when it’s inconvenient.

• In uncertain times, keep your hands open, not closed.