Living Generously

BY HELEN BESSENT BYRD (M.Div.’07)

Time and again in his ministry to young churches, Paul taught generously.  In his second letter to the church in Corinth which he wrote in circa 50 CE that, “The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:6-7).

Paul’s guidance was that we should R-I-Gour lives for Christian living. First, be a Regular giver.  Regular giving means when you receive income, set aside what you will give.  Give systematically, not sporadically.  Pledge to give, then just do it maintaining the schedule that you have planned.  God is a faithful provider who gives us our “daily bread”.  It is our responsibility to respond similarly.  Be a Regular giver.

We should also be Intentional givers.  Would you like it if God was not intentional in provisions for you – breathing, eating, loving relationships?   Intentional givers remember to pledge, then pay.  Give to your local church, of course.  Similarly, you also plan you gifts for the year to other nonprofit institutions and organizations.  Be an Intentional Giver.
Finally, we ought be Generous givers.  Giving generously often leads to acquiring further wealth and spiritual benefits, but poverty usually awaits those who are stingy.  You likely have heard the story that if you keep your fist closed to keep what’s in it, you will not be able to open it and receive more gifts to you!

Remember to give to help others and give from your heart.  When your life is rigged for Christ, you are a Regular, Intentional and Generous giver.  If we pray and seek to have the mind of Christ, we know to give superfluously but sacrificially.  Remember Christ gave his very life for us.  Do not give for glory; God gets the glory.  In 2 Cor. 9:8 Paul tells us, “And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, so you may share abundantly in every good work.”

As you RIG your life for Christ, kindly remember to include gifts to support seminarians at Union.

See the website for giving opportunities. For tracking purposes, when you give write “BAA” on the line with your name if you give online, and on the memo line if you send a check.