But since you excel in everything–in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you–see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:7
“There is still a long way to go on the journey of the faithful steward for Western Christians, but there is hope if only the free grace of God will be preached more powerfully and linked with the new life that is to flow from it. The European context is not especially conducive to a culture of generosity, but Christians should take this as an opportunity to live counterculturally and to show how the grace of God can change a human heart and community. If we do this, it will surely benefit the church, the mission, the poor, and many in need.”
Daniel Hillion in “Christ-Centered Generosity and Western European Christians” in Christ-Centered Generosity: Global Perspectives on the Biblical Call to a Generous Life (Colbert: GGN & KLP) 37-49.
Hillion is from France and spoke at the European Generosity Consultation. I deeply appreciated his emphasis that there is hope for us to grow as faithful, generous stewards only as we grasp the grace of God. Think about it. Whether we live in the East or West, North or South, if we do not understand that all our blessings–materially, spiritually, and otherwise–have come to us as gifts of grace from God, we will never live countercultural, graciously, and generously toward others.