“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.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
In the early days of the Church, believers exemplified a remarkable lifestyle of generosity. Acts 4:32 recounts, “Now the entire group of those who believed were of one heart and mind, and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but instead, they held everything in common.” This wasn’t just a one-time act; it became a way of life.
Generosity in the Christian context goes beyond merely sharing material possessions; it reflects the very character of God. As Jesus said in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” When we give sacrificially and faithfully, we mirror the selfless nature of Christ.
The believers in the early Church not only shared their possessions but went to the extent of selling them and distributing the proceeds to meet the needs of others. Acts 4:34-35 states, “For there was not a needy person among them because all those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the proceeds of what was sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet. This was then distributed to each person as any had need.”
This radical generosity served two essential purposes: first, it ensured that God’s people were cared for, and second, it positioned the Church for growth and expansion. As we reflect on this example, let’s challenge ourselves to live in generosity, giving not out of compulsion but with a cheerful heart. Just as God’s love for us is immeasurable, let our generosity towards one another be an expression of that divine love.
Radical generosity is a necessity in biblical community. If you show me a church that lacks generosity, I’ll show you a church that is ineffective in doing what God has called us to do. It all starts by living in generosity.