After the presents are unwrapped and the celebrations cease, is the giving finished for another eleven months? How does giving influence our lives and the lives of others? Is generosity a 365-days a year behavior? How does generosity change one’s life?
The daily devotion for today that popped up on my phone was 2 Corinthians 9:8: And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. A peruse of this passage of Scripture holds numerous words of encouragement and direction regarding the phenomenon of generosity, which is discussed in the following paragraphs.
To begin, what does generosity do? Generosity is an equalizer that assists in meeting the needs of others through a giver. Generosity stirs enthusiasm that leads to the willingness to give and then joy from the giving. Generosity multiplies and has a snowball effect in blessing all involved, both the receiver and giver. Generosity creates character in the giver and their deeds in helping others are said to be “remembered” by those who have received (v. 9).
Next, how is generosity cultivated? God stirs generosity and God loves a person who gives cheerfully (vs. 7 & 10). The term cheerfully equates to purposeful giving. One is not to give reluctantly nor under compulsion. Sometimes giving is done out of one’s own lack of resources and sometimes out of one’s abundance. Giving is always an act of love and respect for another person.
Finally, how is generosity advantageous? Giving is a “grace” from God; grace to give and grace to receive. This grace is a gift and facilitates an abundance of avenues for helping others (v. 15). Givers are enriched in every way (spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, financially) so they can be generous in every facet of life (v. 11). In fact, Paul called generosity a “proof” of caring for others. For Christians, giving is an evidence of our faith to the world around us (v. 13). Giving points to God as He has given us the ultimate gift of Jesus. As givers, we can spread that message of love and hope to others year-round by engaging in creative and generous acts.
Questions for thought:
Do I give of myself and my resources often?
What motivates me to give?
How has giving influenced my life?
Who benefits from my giving?
Why would I want to give generously?
What would generosity change in my life?
How could I expand my generosity to make it a life practice?
Other Bible verses on giving: Proverbs 11:24-25; Luke 6:38; Proverbs 3:9; Acts 20:35; Hebrews 13:16; Matthew 10:8.