Connecting Point: The True Source

Generosity, according to dictionary.com, is the spirit and action of freely and frequently giving to others.” Most often this characteristic is associated with those of religious ties, being celebrated world-wide. One can also be generous without any religious background or belief.

Do you consider yourself to be generous? Many of us do. We live in a community that is quite generous through non-profit avenues. Generous benefactors give of their time, talent, and resources to those in need. I’m of the opinion that “small town life” is the best!

In 2018, Charity Navigator, which tracks annual giving, compared groups by category. Religious groups gave over $127 billion dollars, education charities $58 billion, health non-profits $38 billion, environment/animal charities nearly $12 billion and international charities $23 billion. All categories were down 4.4% from the previous year (Giving USA 2018). Clearly as Americans we have tremendous wealth; it’s great to see that giving is part of our society.

What do you suppose the source of generosity is? Some ideas include; a generous heart or person, an organization that is outward focused, and caring people. All of these may be true. However, I’ve been challenged by pastor and author Timothy Keller, who points to the root source--God and his radical grace. The Biblical foundation of generosity is rooted in the God who graciously gives us everything. Kelly says, “A lack of generosity refuses to acknowledge that your assets are not really yours, but God’s.” This statement may come as a shock to some but it’s true, God see’s us as managers or stewards, entrusting us with everything he has given to us; including our jobs, possessions, finances, family, friends, and more.

Keller also said, “For indeed, grace is the key to it all. It is not our lavish good deeds that procure salvation, but God’s lavish love and mercy. That is why the poor are as acceptable before God as the rich. It is the generosity of God, the freeness of his salvation, that lays the foundation for the society of justice for all….God’s concern for justice permeated every part of Israel’s life. It should also permeate our lives.”

Salvation in Jesus is the greatest act of generosity given to us, so it’s vital we remember the true source. “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches,” (John 15:1-5).