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“You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity!” - 2 Corinthians 9:11
As you make resolutions and set goals for the New Year, be sure to include this one: “I will be more generous in 2024.” It will bless you – and our community!
The Bible makes it clear that generosity leads to a more abundant life. Generous people experience one of those paradoxes of the Kingdom of God where the last are first, the greatest is servant to all, and whoever loses her life for Christ will gain it.
And while we often talk about stewardship and generosity in regards to financial giving, that is only part of it. We are also called to be good stewards of everything God has given to us - including our time, talents, resources, and health.
Generosity’s real “payback” is what and who we become when we cultivate a habit of giving. Giving transforms us into generous-hearted people, and generous-hearted people tend to experience a real abundance of joy, peace, love, and security.
Beginning this Sunday, we will be incorporating a time of offering back into our worship service. While we won't be passing plates, you will be invited to respond by bringing forward your offering and placing it in an offering plate on the altar table. This time is also a space for you to reflect on your own personal stewardship - how might God be prompting you to be more generous? Perhaps there is a ministry needing more support and you have the time to give. Or, perhaps someone in your neighborhood has a need and you have the skills to help them. Each Sunday, I challenge you to use this 2-3 minute time of reflection to consider how you can be more generous in the gifts God has given you.
This year, let's aim to not only give from our financial blessings but also aim to give away our time, to serve our neighbor, to be lavish in compassion, and extravagant in love.
Blessings,
Aimee
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