Generosity – Love in Action
This morning I headed to Denver to attend an advertising specialty trade show. It is amazing to see all that is available from simple to complex from inexpensive to high end jewelry. (I saw a championship ring for the Denver Lacrosse team.) Thanks to my friend and business mentor Dan McCuthen for inviting me to tag along.
On my way home, I stopped by the Capitol and made some connections. I will be returning to Denver for a committee hearing on a bill that I have been assisting with on Thursday. Today I navigated pretty good with my walker and arm crutches. That is some progress since my last outing of this type back in November.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “I am not trying to relieve others by putting a burden on you; but since you have plenty at this time, it is only fair that you should help those who are in need. Then, when you are in need and they have plenty, they will help you. In this way both are treated equally.” (2 Corinthians 8:13-14 GNT)
People helping people is a Biblical mandate. In chapters 8 and 9 of 2 Corinthians Paul lays out the challenge, opportunity and blessings that accompany Christian generosity. Of all people followers of Christ should be (and are) the most generous.
When we horde and hold on, it is often out of a sense of fear. Fear that “I won’t have enough for my needs.” Paul gives this assurance, “God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause.” (2 Corinthians 9:8)
I am thankful that believers and Christian organizations are the first to step up and respond when disasters impact communities. They give of their money, time and talents to reach out to those who are in need. They are motivated by Christ’s love and generosity to us. What I have found of interest is that often the impact of this is overlooked when an analysis of giving is made by “nonprofit organization” research groups. I am thankful that this is an area where the Church does shine; even in the midst of their own trying times and hardship.
In the verses above, Paul asserts a “keep the money moving around” approach. He is very clear that he is not imposing a mandate or wanting to create hardship. But simply saying, when you are blessed and have much, give to help those who are suffering and when you are suffering, you will find those who now have plenty coming to your aid.
Debbie and I have always endeavored to be generous people and we have been so blessed in the past, now almost two years, by the generous outpouring of love and support of those who came to our side at a time of need. It certainly motivates me to be even more responsive to others who find themselves facing a crisis that strains their finances.
One of my favorite passages and a principle that we have found at work in our lives is this…“God, who supplies seed for the sower and bread to eat, will also supply you with all the seed you need and will make it grow and produce a rich harvest from your generosity. He will always make you rich enough to be generous at all times, so that many will thank God for your gift….” (2 Corinthians 9:10,11)
There are many additional concepts that Paul communicates in these chapters. He discusses “giving as the Lord has prospered” and the importance of “…giving freely, not out of compulsion…” What we see is that giving isn’t an option. Whether is it a little or a lot, it is an opportunity to express God’s generosity to us. We do so, “giving as unto the Lord.”