Generosity Misunderstood
In a world where people lament an unhealthy economy, generosity is often neglected as a first priority. The economic outlook is not promising, especially with wars threatening global economic stability. Many feel, and are, under the pressure of a tough economy. Now more than ever, people must tighten their belts when it comes to spending, because there are many uncertainties in our world. Life is clearly not as it was some time back. When we think we have money, it disappears quickly because of the many demands we face. Nonetheless, generosity remains a chief virtue, but many neglect this great Christian attribute. The Scriptures call us to practice generosity because it marks true Christianity. Scripture recognizes our difficulties. Even during the Old Testament and New Testament times, people faced many burdens, both economic and otherwise. To be generous during financial hardship or times of weakness is hard, as everyone knows. Even so, Scripture teaches that God grants both the virtue and the ability to sustain generosity for the good of others (2 Corinthians 9:8-11). If we stop focusing on our limitations and look to God, who asks us to be as generous as we can, generosity will cease to be a burden and become a delight, done for God's glory.
Who does not want to please their Lord by obeying His commands? Still, people may abandon generosity because they think it is only about material or financial things. Many of us like to excuse ourselves by saying, "If only I had, I would not hesitate to give." That is a narrow definition of generosity, which contributes to why people view it negatively. If we all understood that we each have something valuable to give, we would not hesitate to be generous, even without material or financial wealth.
Can I be Generous Without Finances?
Many people narrowly define generosity. When they hear about giving, they only think of money. This makes them feel burdened. To their credit, the Church often talks mainly about monetary giving. Yet, society has diverse needs. Some need compassion, others care, counselling, mentoring, or volunteers. Some simply need company. We cannot list every need here. Still, it is clear that generosity does not always require money. Often, I hear people worry that even meeting these needs takes money. But what if, as a Christian teacher, you volunteered to tutor struggling students in your church or community during the holidays? Suppose, as a Christian lawyer, you offered a free legal boot camp to those in need of advice in legal matters. What if, as a youth mentor, you made time to talk to young people? Or what if you volunteered in some of those Church groups or community organizations?
Generosity is not limited to financial giving; it can be expressed through time, skills, and knowledge. Scripture reinforces this: Proverbs 11:25 notes blessings come to those who help others, without defining a specific form, and Deuteronomy 15:7-10 teaches generosity should suit the situation. While many verses mention how to show generosity, financial giving isn't the only way to do so. So, dear saint, consider whether financial constraints have held you back. If giving money is difficult, use your talents and time to serve.
Don't Be A Miser
However, let this not be an excuse for you to be a miser, even when finances are challenging. Look at the character of the Macedonian Church in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5. Paul says the Macedonians, though poor, begged for a chance to give. Above all, they gave willingly, not out of compulsion. The Macedonians could have excused themselves, since they were also severely impoverished. But by choosing generosity, they gave themselves to the Lord, who gave them grace to be generous. You see, dear saints, if we focus on our circumstances, we find no reason to be generous. The cost of living has gone up for most. For others, the cost of business or cash flow is unstable. Sometimes, things beyond our control make life more unbearable.
Call To Action
Even so, let us consider the Macedonians, who aimed to be generous beyond their means. Sometimes, we want to fund a lifestyle beyond our means. Some needs may actually be luxuries in disguise. Maybe we lack proper budgeting or self-control, which stops us from giving. Giving ourselves to God also means being careful stewards of all He gives us, whether money, time, or gifts. As Paul tells the Corinthians, we have no excuse to stop giving because of financial challenges. Pray to God to give you a generous heart, even when circumstances are tough.
