Recently we reviewed how God owns everything, knows our needs, and cares about our concerns. As I reflected on that truth, it reminded me of the necessity of generous giving. If in fact God owns everything, freely gives me all things, and takes care of our needs, what would keep me from sharing what God gives me with others?
Nothing. In fact, God desires it and is honored in our sharing. Consider these verses (plus, I have some resource links below of very helpful articles related to generosity as a Christian).
God Loves Our Generosity Because He Is Generous To Us
The Apostle Paul explains generosity well in this incredible text:
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”
10 Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, 14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:6-15)
You may need to read this text again to get all the goods out of it. As I mentioned in the previous post, truth helps us. This text makes a truth claim that penetrates through the darkness of selfishness. God liberally gives to us; we have the privilege, responsibility, and burden of giving as well.
God Gave His Son – Gives Grace – and Blesses Your Giving
In this text, we see that God demonstrated the most sacrificial giving possible when He gave His own Son, here described as His indescribable gift! For which, gratitude fills our souls and for all eternity we shall rejoice.
Further, Paul tells us that God gives us His incredible grace generously. He makes all grace abound toward us! That’s incredible.
In this context, he also challenges us. He reminds us that God wants us to sow in order for Him to provide reaping. The sower and reaper illustration becomes the way Paul wants us to consider our generosity toward others. We sow and allow God to provide the harvest with our gifts. We do not give just to get; however, God does remind us that when we give, we do receive back in numerous ways as well.
Generosity Comes From Within Your Heart
As we read this text, we are reminded that it comes down to our hearts – yours and mine. Consider these two key heart issues:
- Do you trust God? He reminds you that you will only reap bountifully after you have sown bountifully. You will only receive generously after you have given generously. This is an incredible truth that challenges us as to whether or not we actually trust God.
- Do you give cheerfully? He goes after our motive. Do you give from the place of burden? Do you give because you feel that you must? Or do you give from a heart of gratitude? Do you give from a position of joy? The text promises that God handles the sowing and reaping and then points out very clearly, “God loves a cheerful giver.” He wants you happy as you give.
Therefore the two questions on the table as you consider your generosity are these: Do you trust God? and Do you give cheerfully?
If you trust God and give cheerfully, what you will find is that you also give very generously.
Helpful Links to Other Articles
I found the following articles and interview helpful to me as I considered this issue this past week. I urge you to consider these as well if you struggle with generosity in your giving to the church and then to others.
What does the Bible say about generosity? by World Vision
Generosity by Desiring God
The Generous Soul by Christianity Today
9 Marks of a Generous Giver by The Gospel Coalition
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together