Common Cents # 46 Generosity

 

Generosity

 

Watching someone open a gift that we have selected especially for them is a moment filled with anticipation, hope, and joy.  It illustrates the Bible verse that says “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The truth of that verse could be because we know the recipient of the gift well enough to know exactly what they would enjoy owning.  It could be because we are grateful that we have the resources or skill to purchase or create the gift.  It could be that the recipient has already given us something that was meaningful to us and it is a way to reciprocate.  Generosity is the virtue that brings more pleasure to the person who possesses it than to the person who receives from it.

One compelling theme of the Bible is the encouragement for the reader to help the poor. Since the beginning of civilization, there have been rich people, poor people, and people in between. To a large extent our situation is determined by where and when we were born and who our parents were. Not just inherited wealth, but opportunities and handed down attitudes determine where we land on the wealth continuum. Jesus reminded us that we would always be among the poor and it is the responsibility of everybody else to help them in any way we can using the resources that we have.

We are also told that people involved with various ministries to others deserve a salary which should come from those of us working in business or in regular jobs.

About forty years ago my wife and I decided that we would give 10% of our income to our church and other organizations, especially those directly involved with lifting up people in need. We have chosen organizations that not only address the physical needs but also provide hope for the spiritual lives of people. It is a decision we have never regretted and has contributed a great deal to who and where we are today.

We also support government efforts to help the poor. The recent Federal relief bill should go a long way toward helping those most in need. The rest of us have an opportunity to decide how to best use our stimulus check. I know people who plan to sign their $1400 check over to organizations involved in helping people who need it most.

One of our big joys each year is planning our giving budget. To whom and how much should we give the money we have designated in our “Giving” budget? We spend a lot of time praying for wisdom and researching the work that is being done to decide where and to whom we send to gift. Of course, the biggest beneficiary is always us – the joy that come from being generous, knowing that our limited resources are being used by a limitless God.

” For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give—large or small—will be used to measure what is given back to you.” Luke 6:38 TLB