Generosity - An Attribute of a Believer

Generosity - An Attribute of a Believer

Matthew Vander Els from Founded In Truth Fellowship introduces the topic of generosity as surprisingly controversial within their movement. He notes that for some, the mere mention of generosity can evoke feelings of frustration or anger, possibly stemming from negative experiences or teachings from past church affiliations. Many in this movement, having rejected certain practices of traditional churches, might also dismiss the concept of generosity simply because churches often emphasized it for fundraising purposes. However, the speaker argues that generosity is not a negative trait but rather a fundamental attribute that should be embraced by believers.

To illustrate the spirit of generosity, a clip from the movie "Les Misérables," based on the novel and play, is shown. The scene features Jean Valjean, an ex-convict, who is shown kindness and hospitality by Bishop Mariel. Despite this generosity, Valjean steals the Bishop's silver. When caught and brought back by the authorities, the Bishop surprisingly claims he gave the silver to Valjean as a gift and even insists that Valjean take additional valuable silver candlesticks. This act of unexpected and unconditional generosity by Bishop Mariel becomes a turning point for Valjean, offering him a chance at a new life. The speaker highlights that even though Bishop Mariel is depicted as a Catholic priest, his actions exemplify the generosity that Yeshua (Jesus) taught. This scene, according to the speaker, reveals the spirit of the Messiah dwelling within the Bishop, mirroring the idea in Galatians 2:20 that believers are crucified with Christ and Christ lives within them. This indwelling Spirit empowers believers to acts of generosity, even in difficult situations, as Romans 8:11 suggests, giving life to their mortal bodies.

The teaching then delves into Paul's letters to the Corinthians, specifically 2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9, which form the basis of this message. Paul discusses the generosity of the Macedonian fellowship, who, despite their own difficulties, gave beyond their means to support the believers in Jerusalem facing persecution, war, and famine. Paul uses the Macedonians' example to encourage the Corinthian church, who had previously pledged to give but had not yet followed through. He even uses the honor-shame culture of the time to motivate them, suggesting it would be humiliating if the Macedonians arrived and found Corinth's contribution lacking. Paul emphasizes not only the blessings of giving but also the responsibility of believers to embody generosity. The speaker confesses his past reluctance to preach on this topic due to fear of criticism, especially from those within their movement who are quick to judge but slow to support others. However, he feels compelled to address it as a vital attribute of a believer that is being overlooked.

Generosity, according to the speaker, encompasses more than just financial giving; it includes giving of one's time, energy, and talents. The motivation behind generosity should not be to gain recognition as a "nice" or "generous" person but to reflect the loving and generous nature of God and the Messiah. This attribute should be an unhesitating response to needs, whether it's supporting a ministry, offering time to someone in need, or helping a struggling family. Hesitation and over-analysis of the recipient's needs can hinder the act of generosity, which should be an everyday part of a believer's life, not a hurdle to overcome. In fact, 1 John 3:17 suggests that a lack of generosity indicates a lack of God's love in one's life. Therefore, being generous is akin to Bishop Mariel showing the love of God.

Drawing from Paul's teachings in 2 Corinthians, the speaker outlines three key elements related to giving:

• You reap what you sow: This principle, found in 2 Corinthians 9:6 and Galatians 6:7, emphasizes that the effort and measure one puts in will determine the outcome. Yeshua confirms this in Matthew 7:2, stating that the measure you give will be the measure you receive. While this is a universal law, the speaker clarifies that this doesn't necessarily mean immediate financial returns for every act of generosity. He cautions against the prosperity gospel's interpretation, noting that the harvest might not always look like the seed planted. Luke 6:38 reinforces this idea, stating that when you give, it will be given back to you in good measure. This principle applies to all areas of life, not just finances.
• God's love manifests in those who are joyous and cheerful in their giving: 2 Corinthians 9:7 famously states, "God loves a cheerful giver." This cheerful attitude reflects the joy that Yeshua desires for His followers, as mentioned in John 15:11. Giving should stem from a willing heart, not reluctance or compulsion. Giving with pure joy, reflecting the love of God within, enhances the value of the gift, whether it's friendship, encouragement, time, energy, or money.
• You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way: 2 Corinthians 9:11 explains that God enriches believers so that they can be generous, which in turn produces thanksgiving to God from those who receive the generosity. God desires believers to be good managers of the resources He provides—time, energy, skills, and talents—so that praises return to Him. This is an act of trust in God's provision and blessings. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about trusting God in their giving even when finances seemed tight, illustrating that God often provides in unexpected ways. Generosity is not just an act of giving but an act of trust that God will take what is planted and bring forth a harvest.

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Application for Everyday Life:

• Be mindful of opportunities to give: Keep an eye out for needs in your fellowship, community, and even among strangers.
• Give unhesitatingly: When a genuine need arises, avoid excessive analysis and step out in faith to be generous.
• Give more than just money: Offer your time, energy, and talents to help others.
• Give cheerfully: Let your generosity reflect the joy of the Lord within you.
• Trust God with your resources: Believe that God will provide for your needs as you are generous with others.
• See generosity as an act of worship: Recognize that your giving reflects God's character to the world.
• Don't let past negative experiences hinder your generosity: Forgive past hurts and embrace the biblical teaching on giving.
• Prioritize the needs of your household and the household of faith: Take responsibility for the well-being of your family and fellow believers.
• Remember the principle of reaping and sowing: Understand that your acts of generosity will have positive repercussions, though not always in expected ways.
• Emulate Yeshua's generosity: Strive to live a life characterized by giving and serving others.

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