People Of Generosity

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

God loves a person who gives cheerfully. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

JOHN WESLEY WAS KNOWN for urging people to earn all the money they could, save all they could, and give all they could. His philosophy grew out of his experience with an expanding income. Instead of limiting himself to a 10 percent tithe, he ultimately gave away the vast majority of his wealth. He preached often on the blessings of generosity—how the one who gives is actually the one who receives—and took Jesus’ saying to heart: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). A lifestyle of generosity comes with its own rewards.

Generosity is about more than money, of course. We are called to live with generous spirits—what used to be known more commonly as magnanimity: a wideness and openness of heart that is eager to share, to give the benefit of the doubt, and to offer grace by default. Such a heart is not inclined toward condemnation or competition but toward kindness and favor. It overlooks offenses and looks instead for reasons to affirm and encourage. It seeks the well-being of all.

If that description looks at all familiar, it’s because it describes God. He has been generous with us, and we have the amazing privilege of being generous with others and with him in return. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians about giving describe a cycle of generosity—God giving generously to his children, who in turn give generously back to him and to those in need, and in turn are given more so they might share even more. This act of giving looks to many like it will lead to emptiness, but it leads to fullness instead. The magnanimous life overflows with good things.

It also looks like the Father. It makes us apples that have fallen not far from the tree, the spitting image of the one who created us in his image, generous children of a generous God. And when people see the goodness of God in his people, they are drawn to him. Our generosity—of spirit, of material resources, of kind words, and more—serves as an invitation for people to experience his.

{Father, you have been so generous with me, even in ways I have hardly noticed. Make me aware. More than that, make me open-hearted and open-handed. May I give to others as you have given to me. Amen.