Radical generosity

Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share. —  1 Timothy 6:18

Cindy Kienow, who works at a popular restaurant in Hutchinson, Kansas, had been waiting on one of her steady customers for 3 years. He always tipped her well, sometimes leaving as much as half the tab. Then he outdid himself — he gave her a $10,000 tip for a $26 meal. He told her, “I want you to know this is not a joke.” What an amazing display of radical generosity!

Paul advised Timothy to encourage the wealthy in his congregation to display radical generosity (1 Tim. 6:18). Timothy ministered in the prosperous city of Ephesus, where certain members of the church were wealthy. Some of these people didn’t understand their responsibility to the kingdom of God. So Paul challenged Timothy to remind them that having great wealth carried great responsibility. That included being humble, finding their security in God not in riches, and using their money to do good. How they handled their money revealed the condition of their heart.

Even if we’re not wealthy, God has called us to radical generosity. We can share what we do have and be rich in good deeds. If we have a generous attitude and about money, we are much more likely to be generous in other matters concerning the Lord’s people and His work. — Marvin Williams

A heart of generosity

With joy will overflow

If giving is done graciously

And never just for show. — Hess

READ:  1 Timothy  6:17-19

When we give ourselves to the Lord, all other giving becomes easier.

The Bible in one year:

• Psalms 60-62

• Romans 5