THE Reverberations OF Christian Generosity

For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanskgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift! (2 Cor. 9:12–15, ESV)

What happens when Christians give? The most obvious effect of our giving is that it relieves the needs of those in material distress. However, in 2 Cor. 9:12–15, we learn that Christian generosity has unexpected effects that reverberate long after the gift is given. Relief of poverty or distress are worthy endeavors, but more remarkable than the gift or the help that it offers is the cycle of worship and blessing instigated by a single act of Christian generosity.

When we bless others out of the abundance given to us, this elicits thankful worship from the beneficiaries of our gifts. Thanksgiving is lifted to the heavenly Father, for our fellow saints recognize him as the ultimate source of every good and perfect gift (Jas. 1:17). Paul says that our generosity also produces ador- evidenced in the generosity of the giver. Needy believers are moved to glorify God for His transforming grace in the lives of fellow believers. The reverberations of Christian generosity don’t end here. Perhaps the greatest surprise is the way that Christian generosity solicits prayer for us from those blessed by us. Blessing leads to worship, worship leads to blessing, and the cycle begins again.

Let us not forget the great Giver who initiates this cycle of blessing and worship. True generosity—marked by love for others, willingness to give sacrificially, and a cheerful attitude—arises from the heart of the one who knows the generosity of the triune God so powerfully revealed upon the cross. Christian generosity is a fruit that grows upon the tree of Calvary. It is modeled on the generosity of the one who taught that “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). God has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:3), thereby incorporating us into this great cycle of blessing and worship. In Christ, we have received the gift that keeps on giving. We have been blessed to be a blessing. When we give, we become part of this cycle of blessing and worship that reverberates unto eternity. Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!