“God loveth a cheerful giver.” - 2 Corinthians 9:7
Stinginess and selfishness are part of our fallen nature. We are born stingy. As little children, we wanted our own toys and we didn't want to share them with others. As adults, we've learned to share somewhat, but selfishness still has a strong grip that only the Lord can break.
When the subject of generosity is brought up, many think of the money-hungry televangelists who try to manipulate viewers into giving sacrificially to their ministry, while the televangelist wears expensive clothes and lives in a mansion. Certainly, the subject of giving has been abused severely but such men. They misrepresent God and His message. Sadly, these people are the only Christian influence that many unbelievers know.
Although such men abuse the generosity of well-meaning people, it does not change the fact that God expects His children to be generous. Obviously, we need to exercise a degree of discernment as we give. Not every “minister” on the internet is really deserving of our money.
Yet there is a world of tremendous need all around us. Many hurting people are yearning for someone to help them. As we go about the hustle and bustle of daily life, we need to vigilant about such needs.
The Bible says that the Lord loves a cheerful giver. Does that describe us? Do we give lovingly or grudgingly? Are we faithful to give to our local church? Are we compassionate by helping others who are in need?
For the Christian, the issue of giving is rooted in a fundamental truth: Jesus is Lord. Jesus is more than just Lord of my salvation. He is Lord of all. This includes my finances. In reality, everything really belongs to Him. He freely gave us the riches and resources we enjoy. He gave us a job. He provided us with provisions every day. He is the source of all our blessings. We owe Him everything.
As believers, we claim to be changed by the grace of God. Yet this grace should transform us into being agents of grace ourselves. Because of God's grace, we should act with grace when it comes to people around us. That includes forgiving those who've hurt or offended us. We give to others out of gratitude for the fact that God has given to us.
Generosity is a holy habit that Christians need to embrace. In a world of stinginess and selfishness, we are called to be different. We are called to be givers. Shouldn't Christians lead the way when it comes to giving? Shouldn't the most generous people in your community be those who know the Lord?
Generosity is not an issue of the wallet, but of the heart. You don't need money to be generous. You just need a generous heart.
Generosity goes further than than financial giving. Certainly, we should give of our treasures, but we should also give of our time and talents. Visiting the sick in the hospital and the elderly in a nursing home can be act of generosity. Serving in a soup kitchen or helping a widow with home repairs can be a means of giving. There's no shortage of need, but there is a shortage of those willing to help.
Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Do we really believe this truth? If so, does our actions back up this belief?
Let me be very clear. I do not believe in the “prosperity gospel,” that many TV preachers falsely proclaim. However, I believe there are special blessings that generous people enjoy that others don't. The type of blessings may vary from person to person. God is ultimately in control of this and chooses to bless people according to His will. It is more blessed to give than to receive.
The holy habit of generosity is one that we should cultivate. First of all, we should plan, in advance, to give to our local church. That is a priority for believers. Secondly, we should be watchful about needs around us. 1 John 3:17 says: “But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” Finally, we can give to ministries and charities that we love and trust. There are no shortages of good causes to give to.
We have just a short time to live here on earth. God has invested heavily in my life. Others have, too. When it comes time for me to die, I can't take any money or possessions with me. In the time I have left, I want to be faithful to the Lord. With the resources God has given me, I want to invest in the things that matter most. I want to be generous to a fault.
What about you?
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