GENEROSITY
31st Aug 2016
When Hezekiah became King, the country was in a dreadful state, the Temple was closed and full of rubbish, so the people were commanded to get to work to bring things back to how they should be, which they did willingly and enthusiastically. The phrase that stuck me, as I was reading this account in The Message was, “the Israelites responded generously” and later on, “From the moment of this huge outpouring of gifts to The Temple of God, there has been plenty to eat for everyone with food left over. God has blessed his people - just look at the evidence.” (2 Chronicles 31:9-10)
I sometimes hear believers discussing as to whether we should “tithe” as new covenant people? That seems such a beggarly attitude, surely 10% should merely be a minimum amount. As I read the scriptures I see a God who is overflowing with abundance and generosity, you only have to look a creation and the incredible variety of plants and animals.
Paul says, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6) I believe that generosity should be the mark of all believers; we then will think of others rather than ourselves, we will look for ways to bless and give, we will get our eyes off ourselves and begin to concentrate on the needs of others.
Paul also says, “Each one should give....not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” he then continues with this wonderful verse, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Generosity is the antidote to self-pity, it takes you away from thinking only of self, towards thinking of how you can bless others. It makes you rejoice when there is an opportunity to give, rather than being stingy!
Generosity is good for you too - as God loves to pour back abundant blessings on you!
by Charles Sibthorpe
