Generosity is a quality that all of us want to exhibit in our day-to-day lives. We love what generosity does for others, and we love what generosity does in our hearts. But we hate the tension. The war between needs and wants, enough and not enough, and what we have versus what other’s have, creates a constant internal tension in our soul.
So how do we pursue the road to generosity and win the war within? In his second letter to the Corinthian church, the apostle Paul offers some wisdom. He points to the Christians living in Macedonia as an extraordinary example of generosity, and then provides three powerful insights.
1. Generosity isn’t Circumstantial
Most people view generosity in the context of how much money they make (or don’t make). What’s remarkable about the Macedonian’s commitment to generosity is their ability to look past their own difficult circumstances. 2 Corinthians 8:2 says that these early believers, “are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor.” And yet, despite their adversity, they displayed a remarkable attitude: “…But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflown in rich generosity.”
If that wasn’t enough, Paul takes it a step further. He describes their giving as going beyond what they can even afford. It wasn’t because of a slick, manipulative tactic from a smooth talking preacher, but rather, it was done out of “their own free will” (v. 3). Then Paul says:
“They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do” (v. 4-5).
What would happen if our generosity stemmed from a selfless attitude rather than sorrowful adversity? That was the approach the Macedonians took. Generosity wasn’t defined by their circumstances, but rather a guiltless, joy-filled, passion to give. These believers understood the priority of generosity. They recognized that the priority of your money always determines the path of your heart. That’s what Jesus taught: “Where your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be” (Matthew 6:21). When you’re tempted to point to your circumstances as the excuse for not being generous, reconsider Jesus’ words and the Macedonian’s example.
[bctt tweet=”The priority of your money always determines the path of your heart.”]
2. Generosity Moves Beyond Eager Feelings
After pointing to the example of the Macedonians, Paul shifts gears and challenges the Corinthian Church to practice generosity, not just feel generous. He writes:
So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. (2 Corinthians 8:6-10, NLT)
Notice what Paul does. He begins by commending the Corinthians for excelling in faith, knowledge, and love. About the time they’re feeling good about themselves, Paul ups the ante. He says, “I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving.” In other words, don’t get comfortable in your faith. Don’t point to your success in one area and quietly ignore how you should be growing in another area. Keep stretching, keep growing.
Then, as if the Macedonians example wasn’t enough, Paul points the Corinthians to the example of Jesus. He reminds them that because of everything Jesus has done for us – his extraordinary grace, love, and sacrifice – shouldn’t we be compelled to give generously so that others can experience His amazing grace too? With that tone, Paul lays down this charge:
“Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have.” (2 Corinthians 8:11, NLT)
Paul’s challenge is clear: it’s time to turn generous feelings into generous actions. It’s not enough to feel like giving. We must be generous people.
3. Generosity Activates the Principle of “To and Through”
Finally, Paul turns his attention to the results and responsibilities of generosity. This is a message that often gets twisted and manipulated in our culture today. But Paul’s words stand firm without adding to or taking away. Here’s what he says:
“Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have. Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal. As the Scriptures say, “Those who gathered a lot had nothing left over, and those who gathered only a little had enough.” (2 Corinthians 8:12-15, NLT)
Paul wasn’t saying that all differences in economic standing should be eliminated. He simply makes a very valid point that the tables of economic provision can quickly turn. At one point you might be in a desperate state of need (like the Macedonians), and at another point, you could be in an abundant state of plenty. In either case, Paul challenges us to take up the responsibility to be generous people. Then Paul drives home the connection between generosity and God’s provision:
“Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
These verses describe the principle of “To and Through.” It’s simply this:
- Generosity releases God’s provision TO you because God blesses generous people (v. 8a – And God will generously provide all you need)
- Generosity releases God’s provision THROUGH you when you choose to share your blessings with others (v. 8b – …Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.)
It’s like a water hose. Water is meant to travel through a hose. Water stops flowing through the hose when there’s a kink in the hose. The same is true in our lives. God doesn’t just want to send blessings TO us, he wants to send blessings THROUGH us to others. But when there’s a kink of greed or selfishness or fear in our hearts, the blessing can’t flow through us the way God intended them to. So what do we learn from Paul’s teaching on generosity? We can summarize his insights as follows:
Generosity is a Priority and a Practice that Releases God’s Provision
When we choose to be generous – to make generosity a priority and a practice in our lives – God faithfully demonstrates his continued generosity to us. And with his generous blessings comes a continued responsibility to be generous over and over.
