Fearless Generosity – August 9, 2023

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Fearless Generosity

Recently, my wife and I planted a zinnia garden in our yard. We weren’t sure of the soil quality in that spot, so we were tempted to plant only a packet or two of seeds. After all, why waste good seeds in bad soil? In the end, we decided to plant multiple packets of seeds, way more than needed. Why? Because we wanted zinnias and lots of them! The only way to get lots of zinnias is to plant lots of seeds, even if there is risk involved.

The apostle Paul applied that same principle to our material wealth. Paul was writing to the Corinthian congregation and inviting them to participate in the offering of money that Paul would take back to the needy Christians in Jerusalem. The gift would support the preaching of the gospel. And the more preaching that happens, the more opportunity the Holy Spirit has to claim souls through the gospel.

Sometimes, we act as though God has given abundantly to us so that we can be comfortable and enjoy this life. And we worry about the risk of giving—there will be less for me! But God gives us more than enough so we can be fearlessly generous. He mitigates the risk of giving with his promise that we’ll still have plenty.

So where do you find joy to give? Find it in recognizing what God has given to you! And not just the material stuff. He’s given you the precious blood of his Son for the forgiveness of sins. And that isn’t just a gift for you—it’s a gift to share! Use your resources to share that message of forgiveness so that others may have the same joy you do. And don’t just give a little give lots! After all, that is why God himself gave so much to you.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for your generosity to me. Help me to reflect your generosity fearlessly to others. Amen.