If you believe that God owns it all, this principle guides your financial stewardship. But another important resource you may have is far more difficult to define, yet every bit as valuable as money in the bank.
Your social capital is the invaluable skills and network of relationships you’ve developed over time. And sharing them with others is a great way to be generous. In contrast to the self-promotional influencers of today, the Bible is full of godly people who leveraged their social capital to glorify God and help others.
Here are a few biblical examples and some ways you can freely share your social capital, too.
1. Use influence like Esther
Esther used her social capital to save her people from destruction. Though she was queen of Persia, Esther was also a Jewish woman. She bravely used her influence and favor with the king to thwart a cruel plot to exterminate her people. Here are some things Esther did that you may be called to do, too.
- Become a barrier – Stand for those who need protection and prevent abuse of power. If you’re a leader, practice shielding your team from unfair treatment.
- Sacrifice self – Are you willing to risk your own well-being for the sake of others if that’s what God is calling you to, even if it means facing unpleasant consequences or putting your own reputation or career on the line?
- Lead by example – Demonstrate decency and respect in all your actions; prove that a person can use their influence to ensure others are treated fairly.
2. Juggle wisdom and favor like Joseph
After overcoming many obstacles, Joseph found himself in a position to save the lives of his brothers who had betrayed him, as well as a whole nation. Because he knew God was with him, Joseph had learned to survive difficult circumstances himself. Later, when he’d gained high rank and favor in Egypt, he showed mercy, forgiving his brothers and welcoming his family.
- Share your skills – Without Joseph, the people of Egypt would have died. But he was in prison when he was called on to give the king an answer. Still, when called on, not only was he willing to share the gift of interpretation God had given him, but he made a plan to prepare the nation for the famine to come.
- Be an advocate – When famine struck Israel and Joseph’s family arrived in Egypt, Joseph knew how to talk to the people of Israel, what to say and what not to say (Genesis 46:31-34). He prepared his family to present themselves to Pharoah before he introduced them. Who needs you to introduce or prepare them?
- Show mercy – Joseph forgave his whole family, despite the ways they had betrayed him. Look for someone who needs your forgiveness or use your status to give someone a second chance.
3. Leverage power like Paul
As a Pharisee, Paul was well-educated and well-connected. After his dramatic conversion, he spread the message of Christ’s resurrection to people on three continents, frequently training other young believers who traveled with him. He used his in-depth knowledge of Jewish customs and Roman law (and even his citizenship) to break down barriers to the gospel and bring Jews and Gentiles together.
- Write a letter of recommendation – Write an unsolicited recommendation for someone you believe in. Share it with them personally and on LinkedIn or other professional networks.
- Share your testimony – Learn how to share your faith by sharing your story, and tell your generosity story, too. Pray that God will provide you with opportunities.
- Mentor a young person – Invest in the next generation by developing a personal relationship with someone who needs consistent encouragement, support, or training in something you do.
4. Make room like Mary Magdalene
Mary Magdalene is mentioned 12 times in the Gospels – more than most of the apostles. Though the city of Magdala may have had a connection to prostitution, there is no mention anywhere in the Bible that Mary herself was a prostitute. More likely, she was a prominent female leader. And when Jesus healed her, her gratitude was so deep that she stayed with him even in his death.
- Take time for gratitude – Set aside 15 minutes every morning to remember people who have helped you, and send them a quick thank-you text, email, or note.
- Be available – Make time for relationships to deepen and grow by creating space for communicating and connecting without rush or distractions.
- Stay faithful – When circumstances change or become uncomfortable, it’s easy to abandon or neglect relationships. Pray for ways to invest more time, effort, and understanding when it’s needed most.
5. Love like the Lord
Of course, the ultimate example of someone who used their social capital is Jesus himself. Throughout his ministry, Jesus built relationships with people from all walks of life, and he used those relationships to demonstrate to the world the love and compassion of his Father in heaven.
- Try a posture of humility – Say your prayers on your knees a few times a week to experience how a humble posture might affect your mindset, and pray that God will help you model humility for others who need to see it.
- Create a ministry of welcome – From little children and beggars to Pharisees and high priests, Jesus modeled embracing everyone wholeheartedly, without separating people by class. Could you welcome the unwelcome?
- Lay down your sacred schedule – Be willing to sacrifice set schedules, timetables, and expectations to fulfill the mission that God may have set before you in any given moment. Always be thinking, “What do I have that God wants me to give right now?”
For more articles, ideas, and resources on biblical generosity, visit our Generosity Library.
