A question for you – how do you think about generosity?

I’m not asking what you think about generosity – God is pretty clear that Christians are to be sacrificially generous. But rather how do you think about it? We can all give, but that’s not always the same as being generous. And the elephant in the room for many people is guilt – they may give to help themselves feel better or discharge a moral obligation, or may feel sad that they can’t give more.
I raise the issue of generosity because Christmas is a wonderful opportunity for Christians to affirm a biblical model of joyful generosity that springs from celebrating God’s grace to us in Jesus.

Generosity is a fundamentally important element of Christian character. It is not purely about money either, for many people of limited financial means are able to be generous in giving their time and energy to relationships and activities.

I have found Paul’s letter to the Corinthians inspiring, as he recounts in 2 Corinthians, chapter 8 how the Macedonian church gave out of their poverty. And they wanted to give more!
We don’t know how much the Macedonian church gave or if it was relatively more or less than other churches. But Paul emphasises the character of their giving – that they gave generously and sacrificially, out of an “abundance of joy”.

Paul’s contrast between the wealthy Corinthian and the poor Macedonian churches is aimed at testing the sincerity of the Corinthian’s love in response to God’s great generosity to them (vv 8, 9). For by Christ making Himself poor the Corinthians have become rich to God through salvation. Paul’s call for the Corinthians to be generous is also meant to result in equality, so that one’s plenty may satisfy another’s need (vv13, 14).

There is no judgement in this generosity; no equivocating over how well the money will be used or how deserving the recipients are.

The only motivation is to give joyfully because Christ has given so much to us; giving in a way that reflects God’s grace and generosity.

I encourage you personally and as a Church to plan to give to others at all times in a way that is sacrificial and joyful, keeping your eyes fixed on Christ and hearts loyal to Him.

Through our generosity and by being joyful in it we can also tell society that God is generous in Jesus – our actions and words can resound in helping the world praise God for Jesus.

As we lead into the Christmas season may joyful generosity drive Christ’s people to live in distinctive and healthy ways for His glory.

Grant Millard is the CEO of ANGLICARE Sydney