Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15
“I once heard a critic of Christianity say, ‘Christians give to others not because it is the right thing to do but because it makes them feel so good. It really is a sophisticated form of selfishness – giving in order to receive.’ Well, there may be some who give in order to get, but as a firsthand observer of the Christian life for well over 50 years, I have found that hearts are overflowing with a generosity that comes from an appreciation of God’s largeheartedness in giving in Son to be their Savior. His generosity generates theirs.”
Selwyn Hughes in Divine Mathematics: A Biblical Perspective on Investing in God’s Kingdom (Surrey, UK: CWR, 2004) 43.
Let’s lean into what this critic of Christianity said for a moment. This idea of giving to feel good might link to a person’s past. Perhaps they have committed wrongs and so their giving aims to assuage their guilt.
I imagine many give for that reason. I have heard other critics say that we give only to the things we care about. That would point to our selfishness, for sure. We must give to what God cares about.
Next month I celebrate 50 years since I asked Jesus to be my Savior. So, like Hughes, I have been a part of God’s family for many years and like his comment about God’s largeheartedness.
It caught my attention as I have never heard the word, largeheartedness. But as I lean into it, I find that gratitude for all God has done emerges as the greatest motivator for Christian generosity worldwide. His generosity generates ours.
So, how do we grow in generosity? We reflect often on the indescribable gift of Christ to us. It inspires us to follow His example. And the blessings we get are just the icing on the proverbial cake of the Christian life.