Joyful Generosity That Gives Freely

I awoke early in the morning, packed my belongings, and prepared to travel to a rural community in Cambodia with the rest of the team. It was my first time visiting Cambodia, and I had no idea what to expect. When I got out of the van, I was immediately hit with heat and humidity that made the hot summers in Virginia Beach pale in comparison.

We had come to meet a family whose baby girl had been born with a cleft lip and palate. Some of my teammates were there to capture photos, while others interviewed the family to learn their story and understand their needs as we prepared to help the little girl receive a life-changing surgery.

The grandmother beamed with pride as she cradled her precious granddaughter. We learned that the child’s parents couldn’t be there because they lived and worked at a factory near the Vietnam border. With so few job opportunities close to home, it was the only way they could earn enough to support their family.

As beads of sweat rolled down my temples in the heat, another family member pedaled up to the house on a bicycle. Hanging from each handlebar was a giant plastic bag overflowing with fresh coconuts. I watched in amazement as she skillfully sliced the tops from each one and, with a warm smile, handed them to us one by one.

I could hardly believe what I was witnessing. This family had so little, yet they insisted on sharing what they had with us. As I accepted the coconut and thanked her, tears welled in my eyes. It was one of the simplest gifts I have ever received—and somehow, the best coconut I have ever tasted.

In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul tells us about the generosity of the churches in Macedonia, namely the churches in Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. They had every reason to hold tightly to what they owned, yet they gave freely.

They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. (2 Corinthians 8:2, NLT)

Even more astonishing, they begged for the opportunity to bless others generously. They saw it as a privilege or an honor to give (see 2 Corinthians 8:3-4). To be honest, this made me think. Begging God for an opportunity to bless others? Giving as a privilege? How many of us struggle to move past seeing generosity as an obligation rather than an honor?

Not only did these churches regard generous giving as an honor, but they also gave with abundant joy. They surrendered themselves to the Lord and allowed Him to determine how they would use the blessings they had been given (see 2 Corinthians 8:5).

Paul wasn’t encouraging the Church to give in a way that would make life difficult for them. He was encouraging us to consider all God has given us and to give generously. This goes far beyond material things and includes our God-given gifts, talents, abilities, and time.

Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have. Of course, I don’t mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality. Right now you have plenty and can help those who are in need. Later, they will have plenty and can share with you when you need it. In this way, things will be equal. (2 Corinthians 8:12-14)

Just as in Acts 4:32-35, this is yet another example of God’s provision through the body of Christ.

Take a moment to reflect on the countless ways the Lord has blessed you. How can you share those blessings with joyful generosity today?

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Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.