Cheerful Generosity

I admit, our stewardship and generosity reflections are still rattling around my head. Daily events keep drawing these themes to the surface. As we pondered 2 Corinthians 9, I closed by illustrating that our generosity should resemble a cheerful child throwing heaps of lollies at parade bystanders because the supply of candy was near endless. As stewards of God's gifts, we are to be cheerful in our generosity toward the people of God and those in need.

Our weekend away illustrated the daily nature of cheerful generosity. First though, notice how Proverbs speaks of generosity.

Proverbs 23.6-7 says "Do not eat the bread of the stingy; do not desire their delicacies, for like a hair in the throat, so are they. “Eat and drink!” they say to you, but they do not mean it."  

And Proverbs 11.24-45 says that "Some give freely yet grow all the richer; others withhold what is due and only suffer want. A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water."

Stingy and generous are not only actions but attitudes.

As we prepared to leave on Friday, numerous people took responsibility for Sunday service with attitudes of helpfulness and support. "Go on," they said, "we've got this" with a smile and nod.

At a construction site along the way, the sign-holders where entertaining drivers with Mana waves.  

At the cafe in Whangamata, the baristas took interest in knowing what brought us to them and if we were looking forward to the running event.

At the start of the race, the Emcee was humorously encouraging his flock of runners, pumping them up for the challenge ahead.

Many of the marshals stationed around the course clapped and cheered as runner after runner passed by. Some even dressed up to cheer!

And when we crashed back at the Bach with tired legs, we were grateful for the gracious offer of our hosts to make ourselves at home.

In all these things, there was a generosity of both action and attitude. Kindness did not seem stingy, fake or just part of the job. There was joy in all these acts. The cost was not all about dollars and cents but in energy, effort, and the entrusting oneself to another in cheerful generosity.

We know stingy when its served. It is a horrible hairball in the throat!  But cheerful generosity brings smiles, laughter, and gratitude that makes life so much better. It exhibits elements of Jesus' good Kingdom come.  

So friends, remember that cheerful generosity starts with our simple daily acts that bring joy to others. 

Peace,
Kelly