Thanksgiving is Radical Generosity

As we continue to move toward living a life of thanksgiving, we need to adopt this truth in our lives – thanksgiving is radical generosity – and put it into practice! In Proverbs 11:24, we read this incredible promise which comes with a warning, “The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.” May we all seek to be more generous and enlarge our world!

So just what is radical generosity? How do we do it? What blessings does it bring? Radical generosity is an attitude, not an amount. Paul explains, “If you are really eager to give, it isn't important how much you’re able to give. God wants you to give what you have, not what you don't have.” (2 Corinthians 8:12). Paul goes on to explain in more detail about radical generosity in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, so if you have time, try to read it this week – but here are the highlights:

• Radical generosity brings joy (2 Corinthians 8:1-2).
• Radical generosity is supernatural (beyond our ability) (2 Corinthians 8:3).
• Radical generosity is enthusiastic (2 Corinthians 8:3-4 and 9:7).
• Radical generosity is a spiritual habit (2 Corinthians 8:5, 19).

Even better are the results of radical generosity. Paul goes on in 2 Corinthians 8:7-8, telling us radical generosity increases our love for Jesus, “Just as you excel in everything else – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in the grace of giving.  I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.”  Not only does it increase our love for Jesus, it also makes us more like Him (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Paul also reminds us radical generosity deepens our faith, telling us, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously…for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:7-8). Most importantly radical generosity allows us to honor God as His witness to the world and in turn causes others to thank God. (2 Corinthians 11b-13).

May we honor and glorify God with radical generosity and spread the Good News as we do!