GENEROSITY
2 Corinthians 8:1–9
I want to share a story about my youngest daughter. When she was much younger, there was a place that she and I would often visit for lunch. Close to the cash register was a bowl filled with peppermints. Let me be clear. I always instructed her to take no more than two pieces of candy each time. One day, I was distracted and did not have my eye on her. As we settled into the vehicle to leave, she began giggling excessively. Upon investigation, she had taken more than two peppermints. A lot more. This child of mine had managed to smuggle 43 pieces of candy out of the restaurant without being detected. I informed her that this was not a good choice and that one day they may stop providing free candy because of people taking advantage.
Sure enough, the candy bowl was gone later on. The peppermint train had been derailed. Generosity had reached its limit. I have discovered in my life that there are two types of people in this world: givers and takers. Each of us has been in both camps, and I am convinced there is greater joy in giving than getting. While both are needed, our world is lacking in the “giving” department.
Generosity does not depend on wealth. (1–2)
Many people think that if they had more money, they would be more generous. I would argue that a person’s willingness to share when they have little is an indicator of how they would share if they had more. Generosity is not solely based on what you have but on who you are. It reveals your character and your desire to be a blessing to others. The Macedonian churches faced hardships yet remained faithful givers. You do not give in that way to be recognized but because you are committed to generosity.
Generosity begins with giving ourselves to God. (3–6)
Two practices that are still common in the Baptist church are love offerings and free-will offerings. The idea is that when a need arises, people are to give from their hearts and not from compulsion or a guilt trip. A church may be tempted to fix its focus solely inward. By doing so, the people limit their impact and potential for use by God.
Our offerings belong to God and when we return them to Him, we should do so with a loose grip. The way a Christian or a church gives its money reveals a great deal about what they believe regarding the gospel and Jesus. God takes delight in willful and cheerful giving.
Generosity is a response to Christ’s generous love for us. (7–9)
We are told to reflect Christ and be a conduit of His grace. His love compels us to pattern our lives and choices after His own. There are two primary areas in our lives where we can resemble Jesus: how we forgive and how we give. The essence of the gospel is the gift of salvation.
Without the gracious generosity of Christ, we are without the opportunity of everlasting life. The Bible isn’t familiar with stingy saints. Greater still, God rewards the generosity of the faithful. Our Father gave His Son for us. Why would we not want to be givers ourselves? The next time you see free peppermints, take one or two — not 43 — but also be willing to give them away if the need arises.
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
