Generosity
Psalm 23 is a reflection on the provision of God our Shepherd and a life without lack. One of the primary ways we experientially enter into this life is through the practice of generosity. Through our giving, we say not just in word, but deed – “I have what I need.” Even more, when we give we reflect the generosity of our Shepherd to our world.
Though generosity extends beyond what we do with our finances to other resources we possess (time, skills, etc.) for the sake of this practice, we’ll focus on finances – as it is one of our culture’s greatest idols and our greatest distractions from the life our Shepherd has for us.
For this week, pray for God’s leading and then discuss as a Discipleship Group how you’re sensing God is inviting you to cheerfully and sacrificially give this week.
Some ideas and tips for you to discuss as you plan for this practice:
Start small. Start where you’re at, not where you should be. If you’re out of work right now, or in debt, just start where you are.
Give first. Or in the language or biblical theology, give the “first fruits.” Ancient agrarian followers of Jesus would give the first fruits of their harvest to God as an act of gratitude for the rain and the sun, and an act of trust in God’s provision in the weeks to come. Rather than wait until the end of harvest, see if they have anything left, and give out of that. For us today, it means as soon as we get our paycheck, we give whatever we have determined in our heart to give, rather than wait. (As a note, first fruits giving assumes among other things, that we are already stewarding our finances with a budget – for some, downloading an app or updating their monthly budget may be needed first step of the practice of generosity)
Divert one specific expense to generosity. It can be big, like selling a car to eliminate a monthly payment, or small, like canceling a streaming service. Or anything in-between.
Give to a person or cause you care about, but with special attention to the poor and the church.
If you can, tithe. The New Testament does not teach we have to tithe, but most followers of Jesus argue that tithing is “training wheels” to start from and that we are to direct our tithe to the church. If you already tithe, consider a graduated tithe (allowing the percentage of your giving to increase as your income increases).
Set aside a certain amount of money each month for the next 12 months. Pray at the beginning of the month or every three months about how to spend the money or give it to people or situations as they arise. (With Collective’s ongoing care ministry, this could simply be a line item in your budget that you have ready as needs arise!)
Adopt a monthly “Rice & Beans Night”. By choosing a simpler, less expensive meal, bring the money you would have spent on a more elaborate meal and instead donate that money to a local nonprofit or to someone in need.
Watch what happens in your heart, as you feel freer, happier, more content, more in the words of Psalm 23, “I have what I need”, and let that spur you on to even greater generosity.