Generosity - Sunday Leftovers

June 28th's theme was drawn from Second Corinthians, chapters eight and nine in which Paul appealed to the Christians at Corinth to be generous in a collection for their hurting brothers and sisters in Jerusalem. I could, and many have, fill a lot of pages with commentary on this incredible text. Instead, allow me to share my single, favorite verse from these highly insightful chapters.

As Paul concluded his appeal he obviously recognized the possibility that the Corinthians could feel a pressure to give that, by his estimation, would not be in anyone's best interest. So in verse seven of the ninth chapter he said, "I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving." (The Message)

I love the language and spirit of that verse. Giving is, and should be, a deeply personal thing. While we must never judge another person's giving, or lack thereof, we CAN learn a lot about ourselves by where, how and why we give of the substance of our lives. If you don't like some of the ways you feel or the patterns you see in relation to giving/generosity my best advice is to ask God for better perspective - His perspective. Inner transformation, as opposed to guilt, manipulation or glory-seeking, is the only healthy impetus for the truly generous life.

Let me leave you with the Dorothy Day quote I referenced Sunday: "Give only if you have something you must give. Give only if you are someone for whom giving is its own reward."

To the generous life,
Stan