Joy in Generosity | Philippians 4:14-23
Almost every culture throughout history has valued generosity. Muslims, atheists, Buddhists, secularists, and Christians. Why? Because we are made in the image of a generous God. Scripture celebrates generosity: Proverbs 19:17, “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD.” 28:27, “Whoever gives to the poor will not want,” Hebrews 13:16, “Share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Acts 20:35: Jesus said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” We all believe that it is good to be generous, but if we are honest, most of us prefer that others be generous so we don’t have to be.
The book of Philippians is one long thank you note that Paul is writing from jail thanking them for the gift that they sent him through one of their own Epaphroditus. As he concludes this letter, he has ended with a thank you that includes talking about contentment and generosity. The order matters. As Paul concludes he teaches us about generosity. Paul teaches that generosity is a partnership that shares, an investment that sows and worship that sacrifices.