“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: ‘He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.’ Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” (II Corinthians 9:6-11 NIV)
I remember a report several years ago that people of faith are far more generous than the general population of Americans. In one experiment, Salvation Army kettles were set up at two busy intersections, one in San Francisco and the other in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Average incomes in San Francisco are more than double those in Sioux Falls; yet the citizens of Sioux Falls gave twice as much as those in San Francisco. Why? The commentator’s explanation was that faith played a key role in the disparity of giving in the two cities. The Scriptures agree. Faith and generosity go hand in hand.
Followers of Jesus are called to be generous with their money, not as an obligation, but out of a desire to please the Lord. He loves the one who gives cheerfully. But we do have the choice. He leaves it up to us to decide how generous or tight we will be, but with this rejoinder: How much we sow is how much we will reap. And it is not based on how much we have (Luke 21:2-4; II Corinthians 8:12), but on our desire and willingness to be generous with what we do have.
I have learned much about this while traveling the world. In Eastern Europe, while visiting Christians living under Communist oppression in 1979, our hosts always provided our group of five with a wonderful meal, and often a place to stay. In Haiti, one of the poorest nations in the world, I saw Christians on Sunday morning participate in two offerings, one for the needs of the church and the other for helping the poor in the community. In Kenya, among poor Masaai Christians, I experienced wonderful hospitality from people who struggle to have enough to eat.
It is just the nature of those who love and follow Jesus to be joyful and generous givers. Their attitude is one that trusts God for their needs. They know He will supply what they need, even if they give a lot away. They are confident He will re-supply them.
Today, if you find yourself reluctant to part with your money to help others in need, it is time to go to the Lord for an attitude adjustment. For the way of the Christian is down the path of generosity, following in the footsteps of our Lord.
© Jim Musser 2011
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