"...if your gift is giving, then give generously..."

Monica Hill discusses the spiritual gift of generous giving.

'What's mine is yours'

A limited interpretation of this gift as giving financially into Christian ministry is often used by fundraisers to justify asking for financial support for Christian workers. In many eyes this has become the main explanation of this gift mentioned in Romans 12:8, but of course its intended outcomes are much further-reaching.

Some even believe that the greater the monetary value of their gift, the more spiritual it is. This can of course become a questionable way of fulfilling your Gospel responsibilities - vicariously - paying someone else to do it for you! But giving financially can also be a way in which those who are 'rich' can help those who do not have the same level of material possessions. In this way they show their commitment to the person or organisation.

Widening Understanding

Anything which is given with the right motive of generosity can be both valuable and a blessing in the eyes of the Lord - size does not matter (see the story of the widow's mite in Luke 21:1-4). One translation of Romans 12:8 is "Whoever shares with others should do it generously" (GNT).

In Romans 12:13 the emphasis is on "Giving to the needs of the saints". Sharing with other believers all that the Lord had given to them was one of the memorable features of the early church in Jerusalem. It created senses of community, fellowship and belonging that many strive after in today's fragmented society.

The ability to give with a generous spirit is the subject of Jesus' teaching about 'giving with a good eye' – "if your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light" (Matt 6:22). There is a wholeness of spirit that comes when you give in this way - not because you must, but because you want to - and it then becomes a blessing to God – with the result that everyone else (including yourself) is also blessed.

More than Money

There are many other forms of generous giving that are often overlooked. Many gifts like time, material goods and hospitality (to name just a few) have greater value than money. Love, prayer, care and listening are some of the most valuable gifts that everyone can give. But then again, James 2:16 warns us "you shouldn't just say, "I hope all goes well for you. I hope you will be warm and have plenty to eat." What good is it to say this, unless you do something to help?"

We also need to bear in mind that we may be willing to be extremely generous in giving - what we want, when we want and where we want! But that is not enough. We can all become selfish, giving what we can easily spare!! This is really putting our own needs first – not making our goal 'living generously'. David's words in 2 Samuel 24 "I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing" illustrate the importance of this.

Generous Living

Being generous in how we give does not always translate into being generous in how we live. But the converse is almost always true - a person who lives generously always gives generously. Giving should be reflected in the whole of our lifestyles and is much more than just opening a cheque book to support others. It means a mutual sharing of their burdens and blessings, coming alongside those in need and being willing to be involved in a variety of different ways. It is also linked with receiving, so that we all grow together and glorify the Lord.

Giving is more than opening a cheque book to support others. It means a mutual sharing of burdens and blessings.

The picture of the Jerusalem church in Acts 4:32 shows a generous way of life which has become an ideal in many eyes and almost a template of how things should be between believers:

The group of followers all felt the same way about everything. None of them claimed that their possessions were their own, and they shared everything they had with each other.

They had become transformed in their thinking and this made a radical change in their self-assessment: "but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself." (Phil 2:3). Drawing on an illustration from nature, they had metamorphosed from a caterpillar to a butterfly.

Reaching Out

Paul's teaching supports a natural progression of this beyond just supporting believers in the immediate fellowship. One of the natural gifts in Romans 12:13 is that of contributing to the needs of others: "Take care of God's needy people and welcome strangers into your home". Various translations word this differently, but it is still a call to all Christians to look beyond their own needs and be aware of those of others, whether close friends or complete strangers.

So we are called not only to support those who are already believers - but also to include all those who are needy. The help may be going the extra mile, as the Good Samaritan did when he came across the man attacked by robbers as recorded in Luke 10:25-37:

...when he saw him he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.

He gave time and even some of his own possessions to a complete stranger. In Luke 3:11, John the Baptist says "If you have two coats, give one to someone who doesn't have any. If you have food, share it with someone else."

But there is a warning in Matthew 6:2 (The Message version is helpful):

When you do something for someone else, don't call attention to yourself. You've seen them in action, I'm sure - 'play actors' I call them - treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that's all they get. When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks. Just do it - quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.

Relationship Building

In order for giving to be effective, there is a responsibility on the giver to build a relationship with the recipient, so all can understand what is really needed. There needs to be an empathy with others which results in action when real needs can be shared and met. Most people have received a present which says more of the giver than responding to the needs of the receiver!

Galatians 6:6 takes on a whole new meaning when it says "Those who are being taught the Christian message should share all the good things they have with their teachers."

This does not just mean financial reimbursement for their teaching - but also to share an understanding of that which they have received and to join in the conversation! It becomes an active partnership, as recommended in Philemon v 6: "I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ".

Effective giving demands relationship-building between giver and recipient.

Importance for Today

We ourselves believe and know that God will take care of our own needs. Matthew 6:28 tells us "not to worry" which is elaborated in the prayer in Philippians 4:19: "I pray that God will take care of all your needs with the wonderful blessings that come from Christ Jesus!" And we are all exhorted in Hebrews 13:16: "Do not forget to do good and to help one another, because these are the sacrifices that please God".

In our day and age when individualism is prized in society at large and many are lonely or suffering a lack of good relationships, the significance of the gift of giving becomes very special. Christians need to follow the example given by Christ of elevating the well-being of others above the needs of self. This may be difficult for some as it goes against the current trend in society - but it needs to be a goal for each of us.

If you have any other comments on 'giving' as a spiritual gift please do add them.

References

1 Link, E G. Giving Generously or Living Generously? Stewardship Ministries, 16 August 2010.