Renewing Generosity

For Meditation

Throughout this month we have been saying that this campaign is not just about renewing our building, it’s about renewing our mission. One of the surprising gifts of a campaign like this is that it opens up opportunities to reflect about issues of faith, hope, community, and generosity. It reminds us of all that God has given and how he wants us to use it for his Kingdom.

In 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, Paul casts a vision of the Christian life as one of joyful, sacrificial generosity. These chapters are some of the richest in the whole Bible on the subject of giving. Paul not only calls God’s people to generosity, but grounds our generosity in the gospel itself: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (8:9). When this gospel really gets into our souls, it begins to change us. Specifically, it begins to shape us into people of radical giving, thinking differently about what we give, how we give, when we give, and why we give. 

In preparation, I encourage you to read the whole of chapters 8 and 9 of 2 Corinthians to get the whole context of Paul’s message on generosity. Also, be praying about what God is calling you and your family to commit to the Renew Campaign, as we prepare for Commitment Sunday on February 23.

2 Cor. 8:1-9, 9:6-11

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5 And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. 6 So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this act of grace on your part. 7 But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

8 I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

9.6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written:

“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
    their righteousness endures forever.”

10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.