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Generosity

John Wesley, the English evangelist, is credited with this bit of advice to Christians:
“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the great German writer suggested: "Be generous with kindly words, especially about those who are absent."

Here's a great little thought as we get started. I don't have the authors name, but it appeared on the whitestonejournal website: "This is almost funny, in a sad way. Nearly all of us have the illusion that "my time is my own." It isn't. Everything belongs to God, and He is very generous with time. We are given a good deal of it, and expected to make a return. When we say we don't have time for reading Scripture, or volunteering, or for children, we are telling a lie. We all waste time. If we used all the wasted time in a fruitful way, we would be far more effective. The first step to being generous with time is to acknowledge that our time is not our own, it is a gift from God. And it was meant to be shared.”

Well we'd better dig in here and get on with defining just what we mean by generosity. Generosity involves giving and, because of that, is closely linked to simplicity and sacrifice. It highlights liberality, freedom from stingy or miserly impulses, extending beyond the minimum to meet the immediate need and reaching into the realm of abundance, even excess.

The Bible has quite a bit to say about generosity. Starting in the Old Testament, we find God's people urged to be generous in giving to the Lord. Exodus 35:5 says: "Take from among you a contribution to the LORD. Whoever is of a generous heart, let him bring the LORD’s contribution." Then lest anyone be unsure about just what might be considered worthy, we find a list starting with gold, silver, and bronze; and including the finest textiles, furs, woods, and precious stones.

The New Testament builds on the Old Testament's emphasis on generosity in giving material things. It includes those but challenges us to be generous with our love as well. In Luke 6:30-36 we read: Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

Other passages highlight God's generosity in offering salvation to sinners: In John 10:10, Jesus tells His followers, "I came that they may have life and have it abundantly." In Romans 5:17, Paul writes "If, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ." Then later in the same letter includes this practical advice for Christians: "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. [Romans 12:6-8]

Among the many good reasons to practice this discipline, we find the opportunity to bless others. What a privilege that is. So many are concerned with the flow of energy from others to themselves. They are quick to notice when others are not contributing to their well-being and happiness. A generous spirit is more concerned with the flow in the other direction. Because of that, it allows us to live out the expression of God’s grace in our own life. As Jesus said, "Freely you have received, freely give." [Matthew 10:8] When we give generously to others, especially if we do so anonymously, we stimulate thanksgiving and worship. Lastly, generosity frees us from the human tendency to hoard.

Here are a few practical tips to get you started:

Ron Hughes
© August 2008