Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.  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. 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. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

In 2010 while in Malawi, I met a young man named Vincent who had graduated from high school. He served as our interpreter for the week and helped with a camp for kids. We were so impressed with his ability to lead and communicate. When I asked about his plans for the future, I learned that he dreamed of serving in the medical field. Instead he was at home farming as he had no access to funds for college. It seemed like such a waste for such a gifted young man to spend his days as a subsistence farmer. Rebecca and I along with another person on our trip decided to support his college education. That decision has had a big impact on Vincent’s life. We saw him complete college, become a medical technician, and recently he married. However the impact of that decision went far beyond Vincent. It was the inspiration for starting the sponsorship program at Peachtree Church that has now seen hundreds of young people have the opportunity to attend school and follow their dreams.

That simple act of generosity also impacted us as we once again saw God working in and through our lives. Through our friendship with Vincent over these years we have seen what was reaped through that one act of faith. That’s the way generosity works in the Christian life. It’s not simply a financial donation or an act of kindness. It’s one of the crucial ways that we participate in what God is doing for others and in the process, God grows our faith. When we listen to the Spirit, and decide in our own heart, to give, we become more of the people that we are called to be. As Jonathon Bonk writes “Christian stewardship is not something we do, but something we become.” Through our generosity we reflect the one that was so generous to us, even laying down his life. We “abound” in every good work, experiencing the extraordinary presence of Christ in our lives and others on our journey of faith.

For Reflection

• Have you had the experience of deciding in your heart to perform an act of generosity?

• How has your generosity impacted the lives of others and your own faith?

Prayer

Lord we thank you for your generosity in our lives. In response to your grace we too often sow sparingly or only when under compulsion. In this year of anxiety give us the courage to sow generously trusting in your love for us and others. Lord help us experience you working in and through our lives in powerful ways in the days ahead.