Do you know what one of the most powerful tools of connection is? Generosity! Keep this in mind: generosity is a powerful tool for connection. Let’s talk a little bit about it.
Paul encouraged the churches to be generous
It is interesting that in the apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians, we see him encouraging the Gentile churches to contribute to the church of the Jews in Jerusalem. There were Jews in the Jerusalem church going through need. And Paul knew the weight that Gentile contributions to Jews would carry.
The church of the new covenant in Christ Jesus, in which non-Jews, that is, Gentiles also became part of the people of God, was also new at that time. The Corinthian church’s act of generosity to the church of Jews in Jerusalem would symbolize the unity of the church. In this context, Paul was using generosity as an instrument of connection.
The results of generosity in the Church
In 2 Corinthians 9:13-14 it is very cool to see Paul pointing to what the results of that generous act of the Gentiles would be.
“As a result of your service, (1) they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all who believe (2) will show that you are obedient to the good news of Christ. And (3) they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has bestowed on you.”
God would be glorified through that generous attitude
The Gentiles would demonstrate their commitment and devotion to the Gospel of Jesus. That is, they would demonstrate that they were committed to the same faith as the church of the Jews in Jerusalem.
The Jews would come to look upon the Gentiles with deep affection as a result of that generous attitude. That attitude would provoke a loving behavior among the churches.
Basically we see that the attitude of kindness would provoke connection in the Church of Christ. And generosity has this power. It concretizes in practical attitudes the unity of the Church. When members collaborate with their local church, they demonstrate that they are committed to the same gospel, connected in the same purpose, and that they participate together in God’s dreams for that church.
Kindness connects us as human beings
Finally, we also know the results of generosity in our personal relationships. Many friendships start from a generous gesture: a help, an invitation, a gift.
And the relationships become much deeper as generous attitudes are exchanged. When someone is in a situation of need and I help or am generous in some way, I show that I care about that pain, that I participate in that pain with that person.
In 2020 I went through something very difficult personally. I had only shared it with my family. So I decided to share it also with a dear friend. She soon sent me a message of much love and hope. The next day, besides the message, she also had a chocolate delivered to my house, with a note telling me to feel embraced by her. Through this gesture she showed me how much she cared about me and what I was going through.
So generosity connects us as human beings. That is why it is such a powerful tool for connection. And today I invite you to be generous, to connect with people through generosity.
May the grace and peace of Jesus accompany you always!
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