Tuesday, November 5, 2024  

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Today's Scripture
2 Corinthians 8:10–15

And in this matter I am giving my advice: it is appropriate for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something — now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means. For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has — not according to what one does not have. I do not mean that there should be relief for others and pressure on you, but it is a question of a fair balance between your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may be for your need, in order that there may be a fair balance. As it is written, “The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little.” (NRSV)

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Reflection

My best friend embodied generosity. In his fifties, he thanked his favorite teacher from grade school, high school, and college by sending each $5,000. He established the celebrated Aloha Angels program on Hawaii’s Kauai island and persistently raised millions, including his own substantial bequest, to benefit its schools and teachers. Examples of his selfless munificence abound.  

As this passage illuminates, true giving originates with the grace and goodness of God to us. The New Testament epistles never command Christians to give. Their instruction instead is to give generously and graciously but voluntarily. And not just monetary gifts are welcomed. Practically every week our church newsletter lists items in need. In October, snacks for our Meals Ministry were requested. As the snappy line says, they’re “the gift that keeps on giving.”

Yet with so many in our beleaguered world suffering extreme poverty and hunger, we cannot be complacent. While our giving decisions are ours alone, our readiness to give lets us experience the joy of participating in what God is doing in our world through our — and God’s — church. It’s the dictionary definition of generosity: “liberality in giving or willingness to give.” This willing generosity is captured in this hymn. 

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Prayer
Our heavenly Father, you are a generous God, and generosity is a mark of God’s people. Help us to give willingly and bigheartedly out of gratitude for all you do. Bless our gifts no matter their size for the sake of your kingdom. Through Jesus Christ. Amen. 

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Written by Tim Schellhardt, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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