Generosity

Generosity begins with God. In all things in life, he is our supplier, and, as his children, we are to, actually we get to, reflect his generosity in everything we do.
 
This is what Paul is referring to in 2 Corinthians 6:6-11.
 
“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, ‘He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.’ He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.”

Paul is writing to the church at Corinth to warmly remind them to fulfill their enthusiastic and voluntary commitment to take a collection for the church of Jerusalem (1 Cor 16:3-5 and 2 Cor 8:11). He had boasted (good naturedly) to the Macedonian church about the Corinthians’ readiness and eagerness: “an example worthy of emulation.”  The Macedonian church then completed a collection, having been spurred on by the Corinthian example. Now, Paul wants to ensure the Corinthians follow through on their intention to give, but not grudgingly or under guilt. 
 
I wonder if any of us can relate to this “intending but not yet completing?” Paul addresses this situation with integrity, wisdom, truth and grace. Paul begins by referring to the familiar proverb of sowing and reaping in verse 6 (which is a common theme and truth found in several scriptures: Luke 6:38, Gal 6:7, Prov 11:24-25, 19:17, 22:9). But then Paul goes on to make giving an issue of the heart: “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Giving should be the result of a thoughtful and intentional decision, an inward resolve and conviction. Giving should not be done impulsively or casually as if “we oughta give something.” Nor should giving be under pressure: “we should, we must give…” But the Lord calls us to give cheerfully. Giving truly is an issue of the heart.

One might ask, “How do you give cheerfully?” The answer lies in the next few verses (8-11). Here Paul states that God is our source as he makes “all grace abound” to us in all things at all times” so that we may “abound in every good work.” Do we really believe this?

Let’s consider, for a moment, God’s generosity. God is generous toward us in so many, many ways. Here are just a few ways with some scriptural references:

• Forgiveness: John 3:16, Eph 2:8-9
• Deliverance and Help: Ps 34:6-7
• Redemption: Gal 3:13
• Provision: Phil 4:19
• Protection and Strength: Is 41:10
• Care and Leading: Psalm 23
• Adoption: Gal 4:5, Eph 1:5
• Friendship: John 15:14

God’s generosity toward us is immense. As his children saved by the precious blood of Christ, we should reflect his generosity in our giving. That giving really translates to all areas of our lives: our time, energy, effort, attitude and giving our money.

When my children were small, my wife and I took them all to a movie.  As we sat down to watch and I was passing out popcorn to each child, my youngest daughter, Katie said to me:  Dad! I want ‘some too much!’  Not understanding, I looked at my wife and she indicated to me to give Katie lots and lots of popcorn—overflowing. This I did, and she was delighted! God’s generosity to us is “some too much,” and we should be delighted, with hearts overflowing, to give to others in return.
Such a life of grace, consistent in giving in “every good work,” proclaims to others our faith in God. Paul’s last verse states that the result of the Corinthian’s giving will be “thanksgiving to God.” 

I am grateful that the members of this church have a long history and a legacy of giving bountifully. Such giving urges me on to sacrifice and give likewise, in faith, so that others may grow in their faith and their walk with the Lord, and give as well: a legacy for this generation and the one to come.
With faith and in encouragement, consider the following questions prayerfully. Let our generous God lead you in grace, encouragement, and growth:

• Am I aware of God’s bountiful generosity to me?
• Does my giving reflect God’s generosity?
• In what ways could I grow in giving to others my time, energy, effort and money?