Reflection: Gladness and Generosity

Gladness and generosity are intimately linked because each one springs from the other. Our gladness arises naturally from the generosity of God, and our gladness will naturally lead to generosity towards others.

Generosity does not necessarily relate to money, but can instead relate to time spent with someone, words of encouragement or any other way of fulfilling a need.

The gladness that springs from God’s generosity does not depend on our circumstances, but comes from a deeper, richer source, namely, the knowledge of our ultimate security in our relationship with God, made possible by the death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour.

Paul tells us of an impressive example in 2 Corinthians 8:1-3

“And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.”

Generosity should not be forced, but should be from the heart, in order to give honour to God. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 we read 

“Each man should give what he has decided to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver”
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Kevin Haigh