Allow the Joy of Generosity

It was our anniversary. June 9, 2009.

We were celebrating three years of marriage, and we were facing the biggest financial trial of our lives. The monetary security we had enjoyed prior to this time made us believe we were heading into a bright future. But it was now 2009, and the effects of the housing market crash mixed with job loss had emptied our pockets, our savings, and our 401k accounts.

Having a toddler and an infant to care for, we managed to buy diapers and groceries but little else as we were just trying our best to keep a roof over our heads and the electricity turned on. It was during this time when our prayer life blossomed and our faith as both individuals and as a couple grew stronger. It was during this time when we experienced giving by people who were consumed by generosity 

Two examples came on the heels of this 3rd anniversary. One of my husband’s mentors offered us his family’s mountain home near Boone, NC for a weekend stay while my parents were taking care of the kids back in Charlotte. Paul and I were overwhelmed by the generosity of this man and the opportunity to get away from reality for 48 hours. Just think, to have alone time at a house in the mountains we didn’t have to pay for? We were living a miracle! This mentor knew the blessing of generosity. He understood that by giving us a weekend away, we would be outrageously blessed and so would he.

While we were enjoying the mountain views from the deck, my husband surprised me with another example of someone’s generosity. A couple back in Charlotte who knew of our situation and our anniversary weekend anonymously paid for us to have dinner that evening…on them…whatever we wanted…no questions asked…no strings attached. The bill would be paid for. All we had to do was accept the gift. Wow. I was brought to tears as we perused the menu that night. Neither one of us could believe someone would be so kind and generous; someone who gave without expecting even a “thank you” in return. Our hearts were forever changed. God would be glorified by their giving. Yes, I agree “It is better to give than to receive”, but that night, receiving that gift was the most important thing we could’ve done.

The Lord was at work. The Lord was shifting hearts. The Lord knew just how.

The picture of giving so generously wasn’t fully clear to me until Pastor Ben’s message this Sunday. Being consumed with generosity isn’t simply an act between a giver and a receiver. God is at work! He is working through His sons and daughters, stirring their hearts toward ways they can bless those who need a blessing.

Exodus 25 gives us insight into the spiritual component of giving. Moses writes how the Lord commanded the Israelites to give “from what they had” (in most cases valuable items such as fine linens and metals, jewels and gold and silver) to construct the tabernacle. Scripture illustrates the willingness to give as the Lord required, “Then the whole Israelite community withdrew from Moses’ presence and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the Lord…All who were willing, men and women alike…brought to the Lord freewill offerings for all the work the Lord through Moses had commanded them to do.” (Ex. 25:20-22, 29)

What we see in this passage is even though the Lord commanded the people to give, it was those who were WILLING or whose HEARTS WERE MOVED that gave. Our Father doesn’t force anyone to give, nor does He force people to receive His blessings. He gives us the choice to obey knowing that when we give from a heart of gladness and goodwill our relationship with Him grows deeper.

Giving is a bountiful gift that benefits both giver and receiver, and often God will impress ways on our heart to bless someone or surprise us with just the thing we need at a point in life. Listen to the pressure of the Lord and be willing to both eagerly and cheerfully give of your resources and lay aside awkwardness and pride to graciously receive blessing from others.

What are some ways you can give of your time, talents, money, friendship, knowledge, and other means you have been provided by the Lord? If someone offers a gift to you, humbly and gratefully accept it, and you’ll be delighted to see that it has given joy to both the giver and to you. Don’t push away the work of God as He shifts hearts to fulfill the offering of generosity!

~ Tara Dye is a longtime member of LIFE Fellowship. She and her husband Paul have three children.