Disciples of Jesus give generously

 

It Is Interesting To See How God Provides

A few months ago someone shook my hand after one of our church services and I felt something other than her hand in my hand. When I looked down at my palm I saw that the paper substance which she had transferred to my hand was money. The amount of money was more than just 20 or 30 dollars. In fact, it was more than just 100 dollars.

The person who shook my hand said, “Give this to someone who is in need.”

I said, “Alright. Thank you, I will do that.”

This kind person was not looking for applause. She wasn’t looking to have her name mentioned in a service or an online post. In fact, it is clear her desire was to remain invisible. She was responding to God’s leading in her heart.

About a week later I became aware of a need and I gave this money to the person in need.

This person was extremely grateful for the help. She was simply telling me about some struggles, she was not expecting this form of assistance.

At first she said, “Oh no Dan, I couldn’t accept this much money from you.”

I said, “It’s not from me. I’m not the source of this money, someone else is.”

The woman said, “Who? Who is giving me this money?”

I thought about it for a moment and then I told her the truth: “God is.”

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

Generosity, God's Provision and Suffering

I recently had the following interaction, online, with a friend.  I hope you'll take a moment to read...

My Original Post:

Real generosity generally requires people to believe that there will always be provision. In other words, in order to be willing to give freely of what we have, it is important for us to believe that our basic needs will be provided.

We have this question: “If I give away some portion of what I have, will I hurt myself or will there be enough?”

So there is a trust factor involved in generosity. Generous people look to the Provider in a way that reveals authentic trust.

“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:9

My Friend Susan’s Comment Regarding The Original Post:

I know this to be true. Yet, I struggle with things like the people in the Philippines right now, who have no food or water, and the folks trying to help are unable to reach them. Unless food and water aren’t included in "all your needs", I can't help but understand the worry these people have. I'm not disputing the verse, as it has reminded me so often not to worry about things I can't control and to put my trust in God. I just put my hope in God, that He orchestrates some miracles so that people can receive their basic needs. Any other's struggle with this kind of stuff?

My Reply To Susan’s Comment:

I think all of us can relate with the struggle you have described, Susan.  It is hard for us to make sense of events like the recent devastation to so many from the storm in the Philippines.  We’re bothered by the heartache and agony that happen in this broken world. I like what you said about putting your hope in God and trusting that He will orchestrate miracles so people can receive their basic needs.  I agree.

I honestly do not claim to have answers to issues like the ones you have raised; issues that have stymied people for thousands of years.  But it does give me some small sense of consolation to know that God does not view human pain and struggle from some cold detached vantage point on high.  Rather, He has entered into the turmoil of this world and endured misery and suffering Himself, first-hand.  He does not take a position like this, “Oh, you guys are dealing with pain, huh?  Hmm, that’s too bad.  I don’t know what that feels like.”

I understand this does not answer the questions you’ve raised or clear up the confusion.  Like I said, I struggle, too.  And I appreciate that even though you are a believer you are willing to honestly express your struggles.  I always appreciate honesty.  Honesty can sting sometimes, but it’s still right.

My post that prompted your comment had to do with generosity.  When we think about what has happened in the Philippines, the concept of generosity is definitely relevant.  The generous help of others, in terms of many forms of aid, will certainly be necessary for the many people who are suffering due to this storm.

Most everyone who reads this post will probably have an opportunity to give in some way to the relief efforts that have been mobilized to help those who are hurting.  Let’s choose to be generous.

Thanks again, for your thoughtful, honest comment, Susan!

Love and blessings,

Dan

What's Coming Up 8/18/13? -- Audio Podcast

Lisa Roule and I talk about Ashton Kutcher's speech at the Teen Choice Awards as well as what's coming up at the services this Sunday.

                      Click here for podcast!

True Wealth

Not too long ago I saw someone behave with great generosity.  This person is far from being wealthy in terms of material and financial resources.  However, as I witnessed this beautiful encounter it occurred to me that the person is extraordinarily wealthy relationally, emotionally and spiritually.

We Know God's Will When It Comes To These Things

There are certain things that God always wants us to do and be.  In other words, we don’t have to wait to hear from God about these matters because He has already clearly spoken.   So we can go ahead and get started on being truthful, gracious, fair, kind, generous, patient, respectful, humble, forgiving, generous and loving—because we know that’s His will.

Healthy Relationships: Love, Generosity, Maturity, Grace

There’s a stubbornness and a selfishness that we can adopt that gets in the way of healthy relationships—including our relationship with God.  The best life we can live—the abundant life that God has for us—involves relating with others with love, generosity, maturity and grace.

Is Christianity For Those Who Are Weak?

There is an impression among some people that living for Christ is the refuge of weak people who can’t make it on their own and need a crutch in order to get along adequately in life.  In a certain sense I understand how this impression could exist because the authentic follower of Christ will admit that he/she is dependent upon God for help, strength, understanding, forgiveness—in fact, dependent for all of life.  So a lack of adequate strength, on our own, is a reality that an honest Christian will admit.

However, two things should be considered:

1) Everyone is weak and dependent in some way and in some context in the course of life.  This is an inescapable fact and the person who is unwilling to admit it does not have the courage to face the facts honestly and admit the truth to himself/herself.  In other words, the person who accuses the Christian of needing a crutch has a crutch of some type, as well.  I wonder if the person can face that reality.

2) Authentically living the Christian life actually requires great strength and courage.  In fact, it requires more strength than any person possesses without God’s help.  For example, it requires incredible strength and courage to always speak the truth and to do so humbly and lovingly. 

It requires incredible strength and courage to say “no” to temptations that a part of you would love to indulge.

It requires incredible strength and courage to honestly and sincerely pray for those who wish you harm.

It requires incredible strength and courage to go against the consensus of a mocking culture.

It requires incredible strength and courage to pursue a mission to which God has called us—think of biblical examples like Noah, Moses, Gideon, Daniel, Jonah, Paul, etc.  In more modern times, think of Mother Teresa, Jim Elliot or Martin Luther King, Jr.

(*If you don’t know who Jim Elliot is, look him up on Google.)

It requires incredible strength and courage to give of yourself generously and graciously to others—in fact, to others who can never repay you; or to others who may not even appreciate what you have done for them.

I could go on, but you get the point.  It is unfair and, frankly, dishonest to laugh at Christians and call them weak.  The kind of life that Jesus lived is the kind of life to which Jesus calls His followers and it is a life of courage, honor, truth, trust, generosity, faith, obedience to God and love.  It is many things, but it is not weak.