Would you trade love for money—a lot of money?  According to a survey done by online financial company, Moneywise, 26% of people would forego romantic love for the rest of their lives in exchange these amounts:

  • $74 million for Baby Boomers
  • $50 million for Gen X
  • $162 million for Millennials
  • $226 million for Gen Z

I guess it only makes sense that the younger generations would demand the most for a lifetime without love and marriage, since they have the longest to live without it.  At any rate, it looks like there is a cost for love.

For Christians, there is also a cost for love.  However, it is understood in an entirely different direction.  We love others—and we pay dearly to do it.  This is the gospel.  God chose love and relationship at a great cost.  Jesus did the same.  The disciples did the same.  For more than 2000 years Christians do the same.  We are commanded to love the world and pay for the privilege.  “God so loved the world that he gave…”  So, we are also to deepen our love for others, knowing that the deeper the love, the more the potential sacrifice.

Yet, in a way that this world will never understand, our sacrifice turns into resurrection—either for the person we love, or for ourselves, or most importantly, for the mission of God in our world.  In truth, we not only pay to love, but we get paid, as well.  That is why love is at the center of gospel.  That is why love is “good news.”  Not without cost and effort—but with blessing and reward in abundance.

As we consider the stewardship of our lives, let us keep love at the center, trusting God will take care of the debits and credits.


Glenn HowellIf you would like information to help your congregation with stewardship and giving, your Foundation is here to help.  Contact us here or call us toll free at 877-391-8811.

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Glenn Howell
Director of Development
Heartland Methodist Foundation