by Ron Bare
Thanksgiving and Christmas are upon us, and they bring with them a natural invitation to reflect. As I consider the many blessings in my life, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to work at Bare Wealth Advisors, with each of you, in this community. Even as I write this, I smile thinking of the folks I have the pleasure of walking alongside, and the families and individuals who continually trust our firm. But these holidays aren’t only about gratitude–they are also about generosity. Over time, I have become convinced that these two are deeply connected, and that both are essential to the life of a faithful steward.
At its core, gratitude is about recognizing and appreciating what we’ve been given. And who else would we direct that gratitude toward, if not the One who provides these things? At Bare, we believe that every blessing that we have comes from the Lord. James 1:17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” Directing our gratitude toward God, the provider of all things, ultimately leads us to deeper contentment and peace.
How then does gratitude lead to generosity? True generosity often flows out of a grateful heart. When we receive a gift, it’s natural to consider how we might give back. Similarly, when we trust that the God of the universe sent His son to Earth to be with us, teach us, and ultimately die for us, we are moved to reflect His generous spirit. As 2 Corinthians 9:7 reads, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” God loves when we are drawn to generosity from a spirit of gratitude, not compulsion.
Generosity is not just something we give—it’s something that shapes us. I think of a couple in our community who chose to adopt children even though their journey was financially and emotionally challenging, or friends, who blessed us with the gift of their time and care when we were overwhelmed. The effect is the same. When I reflect on the blessings I have received, I am compelled to act with the same generosity I have experienced.
When we allow generosity to shape our decisions, it becomes a reflection of our faith, trust, and gratitude. Managing our resources well is an act of worship and obedience. When we plan our finances with purpose and generosity, we show deep trust and confidence in God’s provision and timing.
With that in mind, as this season invites you into reflection, I encourage you to lean into a few simple practices. First, reflect on any financial blessings from this year, and whether it’s been a season of abundance or challenge, consider how God has provided. Second, find one way to give back, whether through your time, resources, or encouragement. How might your gratitude lead you to generosity? Finally, align your giving with your values. What do you value? Could someone identify your values by your generosity? If a year-end planning session would help you put these ideas on paper, we’d be glad to meet with you.
At the end of the day, I simply want to say thank you. Thank you for trusting Bare Wealth Advisors. I can’t adequately describe in an online blog just how much our clients, firm, and community mean to me and my family, but I can say that my time here has shaped me. It is truly a privilege to walk alongside you, seeking to honor God with our resources. This Thanksgiving and Christmas, I pray that you find time to reflect, be grateful, and respond with generosity.
