Written by: Anjoné de Jager
Article source: JOY! Magazine

South Africa’s rising cost of living isn’t just a financial inconvenience – for many, it’s a daily crisis. Millions are facing hunger, job loss, and despair as food inflation continues to outpace salaries. More than half of the population lives below the upper-bound poverty line. Soup kitchens are overwhelmed, and NGOs are stretched thin. In this climate, Christians are being challenged not only to trust God for their own needs, but to become part of the solution. When poverty surrounds us, how does our faith respond?

Prices are climbing
You don’t need an economist to tell you that prices are climbing. You’ve probably noticed it at the till – when you tap your card to pay for bread, milk, and a few basics, the total feels higher than ever. And you’re not imagining it. While headline inflation was reported at 2,8%, Stats SA revealed that food prices rose by 4,8% in the first half of this year – the highest increase since early 2024. Staple items like vegetables, maize, and beef were among the hardest hit. A recent foot-and-mouth outbreak disrupted beef supply and pushed prices up by 4,4%. Beetroot spiked by 64%, and maize meal climbed by 14%. But behind the numbers lies a deeper question for believers: How should we respond?

Not the world’s way
Maybe you feel your throat tighten when you realise just how real and personal this issue has become. The world tells us to tighten the grip on our purse strings when times get tough. That we should hoard and protect what little we have. On the surface, that seems reasonable. Prices have gone up, but salaries have stayed the same. This response, however, is rooted in fear, not faith. It may be the world’s way, but it’s not God’s way. As believers, we are called to live differently.

Worry won’t change anything
So, let’s look at what Jesus says about this. He makes it clear that worry won’t change anything. In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus speaks directly to the kind of concerns we’re facing today. He tells us not to worry about what we will eat or wear. And He reminds us of something even deeper, that if the Father looks after the birds, how much more will He take care of us, His children?

More than enough
We too easily forget that God is our provider. He is El Shaddai, the God of more than enough. He is not limited, not barely able to meet our needs, but more than able to supply in abundance. Remember when Jesus fed the crowd with just five loaves and two fish? Not only did everyone eat until they were full, but there were 12 baskets left over. That is the nature of our God, He is generous. As Philippians 4:19 reminds us, “And my God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” But His provision is not just for our comfort. As with Abraham, we are blessed to be a blessing.

Stewardship is not stinginess
Stewardship is more than budgeting and managing our resources wisely – it is about reflecting the generous nature of the One we represent. Our God is not stingy, and neither should we be. Generosity is an act of faith; it’s not something we become when we have extra. It is a posture of our heart that is rooted in trust. As Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and it will be given to you…” Not because we seek something in return, but because we are called to be vessels of God’s love and provision.

Generosity that points to God
God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9:7), not for what they give, but for the heart that they give with. Remember the widow who gave just two mites (small copper coins)? Jesus said she gave more than anyone else because she gave out of her lack, fully trusting God (Luke 21:1-4). When we live with an open hand, we demonstrate the goodness of God – the same goodness that leads people to repentance (Rom 2:4). When we give, we loosen fear’s grip by shifting our focus from ourselves to the needs of others. As Scripture reminds us: “Whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17-18).

From your hand to His
Think of the boy who brought his small lunch to Jesus – just five loaves and two fish. He could have kept it for himself, thinking it wouldn’t make a difference. But in God’s hands, his generosity fed thousands. What can you give that could bless someone else? Hoarding what we have won’t change the world and believing that our offering is too small only limits what God can do through us. We serve a God of the miraculous. Will you let Him work wonders through you?

REAL WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Start with what’s in your hand
A hot meal, loaf of bread, or packet of soup can be a lifeline. You don’t need a big bank account to be generous.

Partner with trusted ministries
Support Christian feeding projects or soup kitchens in your community. These ministries are already on the ground, reaching the vulnerable and making a tangible difference.

Feed more, not just yourself
Double your cooking portion or Sunday lunch – drop the extras off at an informal settlement, taxi rank, or school in need.

Give with respect
Donate clean clothes, toiletries, and shoes with dignity. Package them well. Add a Scripture or handwritten note of encouragement.

Show up
Visit a lonely elderly person. Offer to drive
someone to a job interview. Ask the petrol attendant how you can pray for them.

Teach your children
Involve them in donating pocket money, shopping for a care parcel, or visiting a family in need. Let generosity become part of their faith.

This article is featured in the August issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za

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Date published: 16/08/2025
ANJONÉ DE JAGER – journalist for JUIG! Tydskrif.
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only.

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