I like to think I’m a generous person.
I happily give to people and causes that matter to me. My family supports campus ministers, international children’s relief organizations, and our local church. We donate stuff we don’t want or use anymore. We pat ourselves on the back, sometimes share on social media, and then go on our merry way. It doesn’t hurt, and it makes us feel good. But are we generous?
Here’s what we really are: comfortable givers.
Paul was writing to comfortable givers in this chapter of 2 Corinthians. He was fundraising for the Jerusalem fund, a task he mentioned throughout his letters as he traveled and wrote to various Gentile churches. Specifically, he was asking Gentiles (non-Jewish converts to Christianity) to send money for the poor in Jerusalem (likely Jews), which Paul referenced in Acts 24:17.
In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul told the wealthy Corinthians about the overflowing generosity of the poor Macedonians for the Jerusalem fund. “They begged us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in the ministry to the saints,” he wrote of the Macedonians’ eagerness to give (2Co 8:4). In essence, Paul was describing the Macedonians with an unnatural equation: severe trial + affliction + extreme poverty = abundant joy + wealth of generosity.
This equation can only be true in the math of mercy. Paul had no shame about telling the Corinthians how generously the Macedonians had given and that he expected them to do the same. He was asking them for money—and a lot of it—using words like “surplus” and “generous.”
But here’s why it seems Paul wasn’t afraid to ask for money, why he was bold in telling the Corinthians just how much the Macedonians sacrificed to give: because we learn to give from the great giver Himself, Jesus. Paul was reminding the Corinthians—and us—that when we believe in Jesus, our hearts are molded in the shape of His. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich” (v.9). We love because Jesus loved us first (1John 4:19). We give because Jesus gave everything for us and to us. And so we don’t just give money; we give ourselves. This can look like radical or everyday hospitality—acts of service on a grand, public scale, or little ones like changing the millionth diaper or washing yet another dish, simply so someone else doesn’t have to.
Generosity isn’t just a series of acts or financial decisions. Generosity is a posture, a way of living in the way of Christ. Generosity is worship, an act done in response to the ultimate generosity of our living King Jesus. We don’t give or act generously to feel good or to check a box. We give in response to Jesus. We give to break our hearts of their grip on material, physical comfort and let them reset in the shape of Jesus’s perfectly generous heart.
As members of Christ’s church, we’re called to be more than just comfortable givers. We look to Jesus and we see everything poured out for us. And becoming like Him, as we endeavor to “adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5), means pouring everything out for Him.
Leave a Reply
80 thoughts on "The Collection"
I I am reading this after going on a nice vacation, and, and I am trying to process what God might be trying to tell me. My husband gives a lot financially , outside of how much I would be comfortable giving. I support him since I know that God is leading him to do this. I pray that I would be generous out of the abundance I have been given.
I don’t know what happened to my earlier comment. Must not have tapped “post comment”. Generous giving is indeed important (whether time, talent or treasure). However, the verse that jumped out at me was to excel in grace. We can do that, sweet She’s, because HE first did it. In case you haven’t heard this…
–
GRACE… God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense
I got on here late today not knowing what the topic was. I am awed in what just happened here out of generosity. My son and family left today for vacation in Tennessee. They had car trouble about 4 hours from home. A Mechanic told them not to drive it anymore. Church friends have just loaded his truck on a transport trailer and are taking his truck to him and bringing his car back to the dealership in town. They will not be back for 8 – 10 hours. What a sacrifice and what special friends!! The tears are flowing in gratitude to God and to them.
Wow..love when the church steps in to “save the day!”
What generous giving hearts!!! ❤
Beautiful!
Dear Shes
Count me in as a “comfortable giver”. Especially around cash dollars & cents.
I give liberally when it won’t inconvenience me. I give easily when I feel it’s my choice. To friends, family, neighbors and church. My select causes.
I don’t like feeling compelled or manipulated. Then I clamp down in protection mode.
This is tricky terrain. But as I’m aware I can strive to see & do things differently.
But Lord knows I need the help, He does not withhold.
Another thought…
Sometimes giving to make a show or statement can also be suspect.
Be mindful of the heart posture, as many have voiced.
I like to give and give but I want to find the balance Jesus would want. Not give so much I damage my family but give so it shows them and others His love and generosity. ❤️
I am a comfortable giver. Ouch! My husband and I do enjoy being generous and try to be mindful of those around us who may need help. But it’s never out of our comfort zone. I am going to have to sit and pray about this.
This was convicting, I spent a lot of my life doing things for others because I felt like I *had* to. In reality that’s no better than being a pharisee. Sometimes it’s not necessarily about doing more, but the heart posture behind the things we do. We are called to give with a cheerful heart, and if we are giving without that, then the deed means nothing.
HAPPY FRIDAY sweet She’s! Lots to ponder here. As a single parent (one income), I do my best to be careful with my finances AND TIME!! I feel this morning that is MORE than just giving of our resources but making TIME for others. Just as Melanie says today, “Generosity isn’t just a series of acts or financial decisions.” I desire to have that attitude of generosity, but often feel selfish, especially when it comes to “my time” I take a deep breath and feel convicted as I had every intention to meet up with a friend who does not drive and LOVES to hang out with friends, yet most-of-my-time (that I FINALLY had off), I spent it with my kiddos! We couldn’t do a lot, but just hanging out at coffee shops and most of the time “sharing” with my kids was the “high-light” of my summer and of course going to the beach with my daughter last week. Please I’m not saying this to get a “oh-its-ok” response, I’m confessing that I could-of “made” time for my sweet friend, but didn’t. I go back to full-time work next week August 1st for meetings and setting up! I’m excited and grateful as things are getting very tight and need to start incurring income. Please pray for my son who generously helped to finance my last 2 weeks.
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich” (v.9). We love because Jesus loved us first (1 John 4:19). “We give because Jesus gave everything for us and to us. And so we don’t just give money; we give ourselves!!”
“Generosity is a posture, a way of living in the way of Christ. Generosity is worship, an act done in response to the ultimate generosity of our living King Jesus. We don’t give or act generously to feel good or to check a box. We give in response to Jesus. We give to break our hearts of their grip on material, physical comfort and let them reset in the shape of Jesus’s perfectly generous heart.We look to Jesus and we see everything poured out for us!!”
WOW!! So good Melanie Rainer!!!
I love this so much!! I am a giver! I like to GIVE to causes, less unfortunate, my heart to the downcast! I truly do, and was raised to be a giver!! BUT—I do like comfort as well, and my rest time. I often am selfish in that way! So many Fridays I didn’t do Homeless…just Because…I couldn’t gather enough juice!! lol. I know I don’t have to do everything, and really I didn’t until the last couple of years! And what I have learned is it is in that…that makes me enthusiastic, blessed, and on fIRE for Jesus! To know Him, is to DO for him. It is a “free of Me” desire to desire for HIM first and foremost!!
I haven’t even read the comments yet…but there are 46 already!!! I’m sure I will want to comment on them like crazy!! I apologize if my name becomes redundant!! :/ But I can’t help to be a Paul to you all as far as my Zellousess (is that a word?) to love on each of you!! lol
❤
Your’re so sweet Rhonda!
Love your comment. Thank you for taking the time to type it!
It is easy to give money, but hard to give my time. I need to ponder what this may look like. I gave almost all of my time to Tanner and it has taken me a bit to know what to do with myself. I have picked up my knitting, etc, but that is for me and no one else. I will pray and ask God to direct me.
Don’t be hard on yourself, you are still recovering in your grief and getting your breath. You put in all your heart, and it is left barely whole. I really belief God has a time and place and you don’t need to force it on your own…just be listening and when God is ready, step up to the plate! :)
I agree with Rhonda here, Traci! Please don’t be hard on yourself! Love you sweet lady!
Knitting can also be done as well a gift to others; perhaps you should consider doing some charity knitting.would li
Hi She’s! I just wanted to pop on and say hello. Every July we have family from out of town come for a month and it makes it hard to keep up consistently here. I have missed all of 2 Corinthians, but am really looking forward to Galatians & Ephesians! Just wanted to let you all know I have been thinking of you and praying for requests and situations I know about. Love to you all!
❤ looking forward to seeing you then! Love you!
Lynne From Alabama – praying for you at this difficult time of Jack’s going home to Jesus.
Give like Jesus sums up today’s scriptures for me. Whether it is time, talent, finances, or just myself, I pray my eyes will be open for those opportunities today and in the future. Break my heart for the needs of others!
Love you all! Praying for your requests! Everything you shared spoke to my heart! Thank you!
Good morning ladies,
Thank you for your prayers for school teachers!! I have several weeks left until the school year starts. I would love your continued prayers…next year I will be needing to get off my parents insurance, and my dad told me how it I don’t get a substantial raise as my current job, I’ll have to look into other jobs. I’m currently at a Christian school which I love, but the obvious answer would be that I would need to go to a public school. I always thought I wouldn’t go there, but I surprisingly have felt okay at the thought. Would love your prayers that I wouldn’t be anxious or worry, and trust the Lord that he will lead me where he wants me to go. It does hurt a bit that things would be different if I had a guy in my life, most of the ladies at my current school are married, so they can afford to work there. I am so thankful I’ve gotten to work at this school…things will probably start getting tight towards the end of this year spring of next year financially, since I’m planning to teach one more year at this school. But if the a Lord wants me to go somewhere else, I know I can trust Him. I pray I can be a light wherever I go for him. Praying for strength and wisdom for you all, and that we would continue to grow more in His likeness and that he would show us more of His character.
Continued prayers for you Sarah. Keep trusting, keep following and you will be right where you need to be. I will be praying God gives you wisdom when it comes time to make a decision…His will be done.
____________
I also continue to pray that God in His perfect timing will bring that special someone into your life. ❤️
What a blessing to teach at a Christian school. I work at a public and I’m SO grateful for all the Christians that work here. YOU will be a blessing wherever you go. Praying also for your finances. I hope its OK to say this, WE need sweet teachers like you in the public schools!
Hi Sarah, have you heard about Medi-share? It’s a Christian insurance company that shares costs and keeps prices low. I would do this is something happens to my current insurance. Praying for your school year and decisions!
Continuing to pray for you Sarah D. Time and time again, I have seen God do impossible math with finances for people walking in his will. He has a plan for you and as long as you continue to take the next obedient step you are walking in that plan.
Our close friend explained sacrificial giving as this: enough to change your lifestyle. Goodness, our family does it, but there are many months when I don’t have a joyful heart doing it. Giving is a spiritual discipline just as prayer and reading our Bible. It’s a practice.
As I was reading the passage in 1 Corinthians 8:2, this thought came to mind; severe trial + overflowing joy + extreme poverty = rich generosity… then I read the devotional and saw Melanie’s equation, which I like a little better: severe trial + affliction + extreme poverty = abundant joy + wealth of generosity.
__________
There is so much joy in giving – even when you think you don’t have it or can’t afford to. God just keeps on blessing, as always – and not always materially, but spiritually and other ways as well.
____________
Then we have the ultimate example of Christ – who humbled Himself, gave EVERYTHING, so that we could be made rich through His death on the cross.
___________
So much good stuff today! And I love, love, love, the example of the believers in Acts 2:42-47, and often wish the Church lived this out today. How wonderful it would be to spend countless hours together, in the word, eating together and fellow-shipping with one another – instead of just the 1-2 hours on a Sunday!
___________
Be blessed sisters on this Friday! May each of us walk today, remembering His ever presence with us!
One prayer request I have— today is the opening of the Olympic Games. Let’s put all the athletes and visitors in our prayers. Especially the delegation from Israel, as they have received threats. Praying for a hedge of protection around them, that no danger or threat will come upon them. Because our God is great and He loves his people.
❤️
❤️
Amen! The opening ceremony being outdoors on a river is very risky. Praying all are safe!
❤
“severe trial + affliction + extreme poverty = abundant joy + wealth of generosity.
This equation can only be true in the math of mercy.” I love this phrase and really sticking with me this morning. I’m sorry I don’t have anything insightful this morning as I woke up with a horrible headache that is not going away. But know I’m keeping you all in my prayers!
Actually, THAT is enough! Copied and put in my journal! Praying your headache flees!! In Jesus name!
Needed this reminder. Thank You Jesus for Your sacrifice that saved us all and gave us the path to follow. Amen
I just love the scripture in Acts and long for times like those. We went through these passages at church some time ago and it really convicted me to give more of my time for the Lord. That is why I made a job change and got involved with the local EMS services. But, one can get a little haughty after a while. I need to come back to God and give it back to Him. He needs to be getting the glory.
Today is the last full day of camp. It sure has been interesting this year. Please pray for these little ones as the go home, some not to the greatest environments. Pray that they can shine a light for their parents and friends to see Jesus, and that they can find encouragement in their local church.
Lynne from Alabama- I am praying for you and your husband. May the Lord encourage you and bless you in the time remaining.
Dear Sisters, I am praying for you all. Have a blessed weekend!
Tricia
Prayed for you this week at camp! Praying many little ones heard and understood the love of Jesus, and yes – that they will take that home with them!
Oof. Generosity. The thorn in my flesh. I have been working on this scarcity or victim mindset with God for a while now. It’s so convicting when you hear Paul say “their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity”, reminds me of the woman with the jar of oil. I always desperately wanted to be her, but for some reason won’t. I was the last of my friends to get married and I attended and spent frivolous amounts of money on several showers, bachelorette parties, and bridesmaids duties. I remember thinking when I got married, now it’s my turn to get all that back. It wasn’t worth it. I desperately wished I would have eloped. And when I look back on everything that was so difficult during that time, I realized I totally sucked the joy out of it bc of my selfish expectations of others. Now that I am pregnant I can feel those same tendencies coming back. The feeling that this is the time that I need to be served, given to, resting and saving. I repent of this heart posture and gladly will accept all prayers to help me move out of this mindset.
That is such amazing transparency. I admit, I struggle with the same. I will pray for you because I am there myself!
❤️
Thank you for sharing your heart Lanie. I think we are probably all guilty of the same thing, although we might not admit it.
______________
I thought of the poor widow in Matthew 12:41-44, who gave all that she had. Although it was very little, it was much more than what the rich people gave.
“Calling it what it is” is the first step towards change, dear Lanie. The second step includes compassionate care & total commitment. With the help of God.
Sometimes in my “how can I help?” prayers with the Lord, instead of being generous with money, He tells me to be generous with my prayers for others or my presence (to be fully attentive and available to listen and help them). This is so true. We love because He first love us. He gives us the willingness to help. And I find often when I struggle to find willingness, it is my turn to let someone step up to the plate and be generous.
@Mercy – praying your eyes find healing and you see the Lord’s purpose in your pain. I pray you see even in this season God is working it together for His good and your good. Love you sis ❤️
@Lynne- continuing in prayer for you and Jack. Love you too ❤️
I’m off to work today, thank you so much again for praying ladies. I have not been to that job since Tuesday and Tuesday was a good day. Still praying and wading through day by day as God leads. God bless you and love to you all ❤️
❤️
“comfortable givers”
.
So true. I needed that heart check today.
.
I’ve heard that the national average of self-proclaiming Christians give 3% of their income. Can you imagine what the church, or other para-church organizations, could accomplish if we moved from “comfortable” to “generous”?
.
MERCY – so sorry about your pain. Praying.
.
RHONDA T – agreeing with you in prayer for those experiencing loss from fires.
.
ADRIENNE – praying you are feeling better today.
.
LYNNE FROM ALABAMA – thanks for hopping on to share an update on Jack. Prayers for strength, courage, and peace for you and your family in the coming days. Praying for God’s mercy in Jack’s transition into His presence.
❤️ Thank you… I do!!
Lately time has been the thing I have been hoarding the most. Had an experience yesterday where I spent 30 minutes with a near stranger listening to her complain about the office drama at her work. She is a lovely woman and I know she needed someone to talk to, but I came home and grumbled and complained to my husband about “my” lost time. This commentary was very convicting. None of it is “my” time, it is all God’s time. Which He asks me to steward generously. To be generous with my empathy and compassion. To remember that people are important. I am repenting this morning of my attitude of grumbling and complaining. Opening my hands on my tight grip on time and asking God to give me the eyes to see where He is inviting me to have a generous posture toward people and steward well the time that He so generously gives to me here on this earth!
Ouch, so true.
Thank you for your honesty. I feel the same about “my” time.
Well said. I will take this thru my day today
What a great reminder! I feel the same way about time. It can be so hard to give especially when we are desiring rest, solitude, etc.
Well said Katie, and how true. May each one of us open our hands to God and “give me the eyes to see where He is inviting me to have a generous posture toward people and steward well the time that He so generously gives to me here on this earth!” …echoing your prayer! ❤️
Ditto here Katie. I got “stuck” talking to a stranger yesterday and was having the same thoughts you expressed. Instead of taking the opportunity to share the love of Christ, I felt annoyed that she kept talking and talking. Lord forgive me!
We give in response to Jesus. We give to break our hearts of their grip on material, physical comfort and let them reset in the shape of Jesus’s perfectly generous heart.
These are the second most beautiful words I have read in the last 24hours! Before this was a little note in a five year olds hand, that simply said ..’ I love you Nana’❤️
Definitely a generous giver in the making! Or perhaps already made!
.
I think, we ALL are capable of giving of self, as we are made/created in His image, but choice gets in our way..
.
Praying today, I make the right choices and “adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus ” pouring my ALL out for Him.
.
BUT GOD.
.
AMEN..
Happy Friday! Wrapped in much, much love and hugs. And as usual, covered in prayers..❤️
Off to spend a few days with a poorly brother, might I solicit prayers for him, his name is Joe. Thank you dear hearts.♥️
Praying your time with Joe is refreshing to both of your souls
Praying for Joe!
Prayers for your brother Joe, and for you as you spend time together. ❤️
Will do! ❤️
Done dear sister! Enjoy your time with Joe. Hugs from this side of the pond.
Love you, Tina, Praying your visit exceeds your hopes and that Joe improves soon! ❤
Sisters, I wanted to give you a quick update on our son, Victor now that we’re finally back home. We spent 2 days with him. He’s staying with a friend (58 yr old guy) from work in Hollywood, CA. This man, Jeff, is very wealthy and also a philanthropist who gives a lot of money to youth at risk in LA. Victor is working hard around Jeff’s property earning his keep. He’s not allowed to smoke weed or do any mushrooms or else he’s back out on the streets. Jeff won’t allow it. My husband and I spent time getting to know Jeff. He’s very eccentric but very kind. Our son was very loving towards us and he told us he was so happy to spend time with us and that he missed us so much.
There’s still hope in Jesus for him. He’s definitely not out of the woods yet and has a long way to go to get his life in order, so I really covet your prayers. Thank you and love you my SRT Sisters❤️
Aleida. Such heartwarming news. Thank you God.. Continued prayers for Victor. ❤️
Your heart must be full, with this encouragement.. God is good, Aleida.. He is good!❤️
Yes He is! Thank you for continuing to pray for us❤️
Wow! What a gift! Praying Jeff will be the influence Victor needs to stay clean.
Yes and Amen!
God is at work, Aleida!! Thank you Jesus ❤️
Thank you for the update, ALEIDA. I’ll keep praying for your son and you as you walk this heartbreaking road.
Praise the Lord for this good news and for Jeff. Will keep Victor on my prayer list – and you too!
Aleida, thank you for sharing this good news! Continuing to pray for Victor almost daily! And for you. Praying that God will work in Victor’s heart while he is off the drugs, and that he will have a clear head and open heart to hear God’s still small voice…still praying for a miracle in Victor’s life! Never lose hope – He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think! ❤️
Yes thank you all for continuing to pray! Our God is able and so faithful❤️❤️
Yes thank you all for continuing to pray! My husband and I are cautiously optimistic right now because of all we’ve gone through with Victor. However our God is always good❤️❤️
❤️
❤ Aleida, I have been thinking of you and hoping your visit went well. So relieved to see this update and will continue to pray that God will work Victor through this. May Jeff impact his life for the good in all ways. Who knows what doors God will open? Is Jeff a Christian? Love and hugs! ❤
Yes, praying HE will amaze us and do more than we’ve been praying for in our son. No, I don’t think Jeff is a Christian but he is a very kind and giving man. I believe the Lord can use anyone and anything to save our son❤️❤️
❤ That just means praying that Jeff has a salvation experience as well. Hkw awesome that would be! Prayers continue!
Lord keep Victor on the straight and narrow. Let’s this be a new beginning for him in the name of Jesus.