What is Generosity?

Is it simple kind deeds or extravagant gestures? Is it something we do out of responsibility or something that should flow naturally? Further, how should we practice this essential aspect of our Christian walk?

These are all great questions, so let's dive in. 

The first Verse in our Generosity Study is Hebrews 13:16 and helps us clarify what Generosity is. The book of Hebrews doesn't specifically mention an audience or an author. However, the nature and purpose of the book reveal themselves quickly. Church tradition has widely accepted the apostle Paul as the author for various reasons we won't get into here.

The book is split into four general teachings to help a group of Jesus-believing Jews who are in danger of falling away from their faith. These four sections rotate between instruction that reviews Israel's history and then a challenge based on those teachings. In the final chapters, the author challenges God's people to continue to live a faithful and fruitful life dedicated to Jesus. If the readers do this, they will receive an unshakable kingdom.

This particular Verse is a potent reminder that we, as Christians, should remember to do good. However, this Verse talks about Sacrificial Service, not acts of mundane and costless deeds. Paul calls us to be willing to sacrifice for one another and the Kingdom of God. A foundational yet groundbreaking charge. Here is why, kindness, as we know it in America, can be superficial. Meaning it doesn't cost anything and therefore doesn't mean anything. True Generosity comes from sacrificing your person to give to another. They don't have to be enormous sacrifices or magnificent grand gestures, but they do need to be intentional and honest.

Here is what I mean.

If I take $100 and give it to a good cause simply so that others will SEE me giving to that cause, the Biblical definition of Generosity is not met. The same person could take $10 and give it to the same cause for no other reason than to bless them and be firmly inside God's mandate. Generosity is not about the amount of time or money given but the WHY behind the gift. Are you sacrificing to help others because you care? Are you sacrificing because God called us to support one another? Or are you doing so that others will notice you?

We consistently see Paul calling Christians to sacrifice in Time, Talent, and Treasure.

Here is no different, saying clearly that God is pleased with us when we make these sacrifices. Further, when we help others, not only are we taking part in the great commission, but we are also helping ourselves. The saying it is better to give than receive is based on truth. We are generally blessed when we bless others. Please don't take my word for it, though.

Your challenge for this week is to find a simple yet powerful and sacrificial way to help those around you.

See you soon!

Josh Tufte