God is Generous

For years, I gave faithfully to my church. A portion of my income, however meager it might have been, and even a portion of my investment, though it is small, too. I have always believed that it is God's desire that we be givers, and I believed that giving to our local church is an important part of that. 

Three years ago, I became separated from my church. And then, sadly, alienated from the same body. It was right about the same time I came into my first job with a living wage, stable hours, and a steady income. 

So here I was now, a Christian with generosity of spirit but no place to give. 

And let me tell you - this season has been so much fun. 

No, not because I'm keeping my money now, but because I am finding new and different and fun ways to give it. 

It's fun to take a portion of my money, set it aside each month, and then keep my eyes open for good things I can do in the world with it. For opportunities to use it to bless someone. For chances to give it away. Lest you think I'm here to brag or something silly like that, I won't tell you the fun things I'm doing with my money.

But I'll tell you that I am learning that God's work is just as vital outside of the church as in it. That one person, with the generosity of God, can make a small difference that makes a big impact. That giving truly is fun, and it isn't confined to a collection plate. In fact, I might dare say that the monies I have been able to give in joy and whimsy in the past three years have done more for the Kingdom of God than the amount I gave to my former church in more than two decades. 

What I really want to tell you, though, is how this kind of giving has deepened my faith. It has grown my connection to God. It has helped me to live a freer, more faith-filled life. And that's not an accident. 

See, generosity is not just God's advice. It's not just His plan. 

It's His heart. 

James tells us that God is generous and enjoys giving (1:5). And no matter how many sermons I've heard over the years on just such a thing or how many times I've been told that it's supposed to be fun, I never really believed it - I couldn't have believed it - until I understood it for myself. Until I experienced it for myself. Until I started making my own giving fun. 

Until I started enjoying it. 

And it's changed the way that I think about the God who gives good gifts to me. He enjoys it. He likes giving me good things. He loves filling my life with stuff it wouldn't have without Him. This is who He is. And when I remember that, it's much easier to accept the gifts. 

After all, what greater delight than to see good things growing from a gift that you enjoyed giving?