Devotions based on week 12 of Joy in the Journey: Generosity (WATCH HERE)
“Wow! That was really generous!”
In what situations have you found yourself making this comment?
Was it when you heard of a $500,000 donation to a charity or church?
Was it when you saw a driver hand a bottle of water to a homeless person?
Was it when you were treated to dinner out by a friend?
Maybe in all of these situations, but perhaps the giving of a water bottle wouldn’t be seen as overly generous.
Often we measure generosity based on the quantity of what was given. Usually the greater the amount, the greater the generosity.
But is the quantity of what is given the measure of generosity?
The short answer is “No.”
Generosity is a reflection of the heart, not a quantity or amount.
Just like contentment was not based on the external circumstance, so generosity is not based on the amount that is given.
In this week’s section from Philippians, verse 14-20 of chapter 4, Paul reflects on the generosity of the Philippians. At the center of his reflections is that the generosity of the Philippians was a generation of their hearts.
After speaking about contentment in 4:10-13, and reflecting that whether the Philippians sent aid or not, he would be content. However, he continues and says: Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles (Philippians 4:14).
The opportunity for generosity starts when we see and are moved to respond to a need. The Philippians became aware of Paul’s need and were willing to share in his trouble. They couldn’t go and spend time under house arrest. They couldn’t lobby before the court of Rome, but they could respond with material gifts to take care of Paul’s physical needs during his time under arrest.
They shared a common concern and desired to share in it.
Similar to the Corinthians of which Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 8:1-4 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
Why would the Philippians and the Corinthians respond to the opportunity to share in the concern of Paul.
Simply because generosity reflects the power of the Gospel. True generosity comes from a heart of faith that has been affected by the generous gift of forgiveness. As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9).
Sure people can give, but true generosity starts with the power of the Gospel affecting a heart, because at the heart of the Gospel is the generosity of God who gave us his all, his Son.
Apply: What challenges your generosity? What has the truth of the Gospel done in your life? How might that spur on your heart of generosity?
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the generosity you showed to us. Lead us to be motivated and empowered by your generosity to be generous in all situations. AMEN.