Sermon | A Generous Heart | Rev. Ann Mann | Barnesville First UMC | June 30, 2024

Sermon | A Generous Heart | Rev. Ann Mann | Barnesville First UMC | June 30, 2024
Today, we explore a topic that touches the very core of our Christian life; generosity.
Generosity is defined as “showing a readiness to give more of something, as in money or time, than is strictly necessary or expected.”
Scripture Lesson: 2 Corinthians 8:7-15.
Now as you excel in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you-so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking. I do not say this as a command, but I am, by mentioning the eagerness of others, testing the genuineness of your love. For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. And in this matter I am giving my opinion: it is beneficial for you who began last year not only to do something but even to desire to do something. Now finish doing it, so that your eagerness may be matched by completing it according to your means. For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. For I do not mean that there should be relief for others and hardship for you, but it is a question of equality between your present abundance and their need, so that their abundance may also supply your need, in order that there may be equality. As it is written,
“The one who had much did not have too much,
and the one who had little did not have too little.
What a wonderful world that would be. The one who has much does not have too much. And the one who has little does not have too little. This can only happen when people are generous. When they show kindness to others.
The Macedonian churches were not wealthy; They experienced trials and poverty. Yet, their response was not despair or self-preservation. Instead, they were filled with overflowing joy, which welled up in rich generosity.
Paul urges the Corinthians to excel in the grace of giving. He explains that giving is not just a financial transaction but a spiritual act, a reflection of the grace we have received from Christ.
True generosity stems from a willing heart, not from a sense of obligation. Paul doesn't want the Corinthians to give reluctantly or under compulsion.
Another principle is equality. Paul’s aim is not to burden the Corinthians but to create a balance. He emphasizes that their abundance at the present time can supply the needs of others, creating a reciprocal relationship where everyone’s needs are met.
Most importantly, Paul points to Christ’s example. He reminds the Corinthians of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who, though He was rich, became poor for our sake, so that we through His poverty might become rich.
Christ’s sacrificial love is the ultimate model for our generosity. He gave everything so that we might have life.
Paul encourages the Corinthians to follow through on their commitment to give, to complete what they started. This teaches us about the importance of consistency in our generosity. It’s not just about making a one-time contribution but about cultivating a lifestyle of giving.
Paul highlights the importance of giving according to what one has, not beyond it. Generosity is not measured by the amount we give but by the willingness and sacrifice behind it. Each of us is called to give according to our means, trusting that God will use our gifts to meet the needs of others and bring about His purposes.
Lastly, Paul speaks about the results of generosity. When we give, we not only meet the needs of others but also cause many to give thanks to God. Our generosity becomes a testimony of God’s love and grace, drawing others closer to Him.
In recent weeks, I have seen promotional videos for a movie coming out next weekend. It is the story about a church in Possum Trot, Texas.
The story revolves around the small Bennett Chapel Missionary Baptist Church and its congregation, who collectively adopted 22 children in the late 1990s. The families of one small church decided to provide these children with the stability, care, and love they had been missing. It was not easy. It was a severe financial strain. And yet they did not give up. They worked together to support one another, sharing resources, time, and encouragement.
It was a collective effort, a powerful testimony to what can be achieved when a community comes together with a common purpose grounded in faith and compassion.
Even our small church can have a significant impact when we are grounded in faith and compassion.
Heavenly Father, Thank You for the example of the Macedonian churches and for the ultimate example of generosity in Jesus Christ. Help us develop a generous heart, to give willingly and joyfully, and to trust that You will use our gifts to bless others and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.