Generosity from the Heart

During the Christmas season, it’s more common to see generosity on display. It’s evident when we go to the grocery store and see the volunteer ringing the Salvation Army bell as people drop spare change in the collection bin. It’s also on display when we gather with friends and family to exchange gifts. Overall, more donations are made to charities in December than any other month. In this “season of giving” where many of us are more inclined to practice generosity, it would do us well to pause and ask ourselves, “What is generosity?” Why do we often look at it as a mere monetary measure? We know that we are supposed to be generous, or as the Bible prescribes “cheerful givers,” but generosity is so much more than just reaching into our pockets to give away money. It’s about the heart. And God cares a lot about our hearts. In the Old Testament God rebuked the Israelites for turning another issue of the heart – fasting – into a mere formality. Check out the strong words God had for his children:

Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?

Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?

Then shall your light break forth like the dawn, and your healing shall spring up speedily; your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard.

Then you shall call, and the LORD will answer; you shall cry, and he will say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from your midst, the pointing of the finger, and speaking wickedness,

if you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday. (Isaiah 58:6-10)

The Israelites lost focus on the heart of the fast, which was their relationship to God and service to their neighbors. So it is with generosity too. When our generosity is an outpouring of our heart that is set on God then amazing things can follow. God reminds us that he will answer our cries and guard our backs. He promises that our light will rise, towering above the darkness. I don’t know about you, but I want my light rise!

God promises his presence when we serve him with our hearts. I remember the first time experiencing this nearness and the love of God from generosity. A pastor that used to disciple me told me there was a kid in his neighborhood that didn’t have a bed. He was sleeping on the floor. We got a donated bed and frame, built it, and moved it in. There is no describing the joy and love I felt from the Lord on that day. I was only a broke college student who had no means to really tithe, and yet I was led to generosity.

As we get deeper into this Christmas season, I encourage you to let this passage wash over you. Read it, pray through it, strive to understand it. What is the posture of your heart this holiday season? What is your motivation for giving? As you reflect on this passage, you’ll come to know that God’s generosity involves opening up more than our wallets.

Ethan Dahlen is a graduating senior at Ball State University. His journey to pursue Christ at a state school has led to spiritual growth that has been a highlight of his college career. In the months to come he plans on pursuing a job in sports media. Ethan is excited to continue seeking the Lord as he begins his career and finding ways to share his faith with others in a professional environment.