Giving money to a GoFundMe campaign for your friend’s uncle’s chemotherapy treatments; donating your slightly used designer jeans to a clothing drive to benefit those in need; buying tickets to a fancy dinner gala and purchasing gift baskets at a silent auction — because it all goes to a good cause.
Do these scenarios sound familiar to you? In our culture today, generosity — “the quality of being kind and generous” — is not only popular, but it’s also everywhere. Generous living has become an increasingly powerful pulse in society, especially among the “social justice generation,” aka Millennials.
Research shows that the Millennial generation makes up over a third of the donors on charitable giving campaigns. Millennials are driven to put their time and resources behind what they believe in, and they’re doing it.
Simply put, being generous is no longer a social rarity. Being generous is cool.
The interesting thing is — generosity is as prevalent in those who are following Jesus and those who aren’t. It’s no longer only driven by “religious beliefs.” Many of my friends who don’t know Jesus are incredibly generous people — they have been first to help me with fundraisers, pitch in when a coworker is short on rent, or donate their time to help me move. For many, generosity is simply a component of being a “good person.” And surely, our world needs more charity.
But, as a follower of Jesus, I’ve been reflecting on how the popularity of living generously impacts my view of generosity. Do I believe generosity is part of being a “good person,” or is it about something more?
The most profound experience of generosity I’ve had has been on the receiving end. I didn’t receive money, a gift basket, or win a silent auction cruise. I received the selfless love of a Father sending his most perfect Son to pay my debt — the debt I would’ve worked my entire life to pay back and still fall short. I wasn’t there when this happened, but the generosity of this act extends throughout time because it completely changed history — and lives, including mine. This generosity made eternal life, full forgiveness, and the intimacy of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ available. I chose to receive this, but not all have said yes. Jesus dying for me on the cross has given me redemption, new life, and a reason for being generous.
What drives your generosity? As the Holiday season approaches and giving becomes even more socially elevated, I challenge you to pause before you give. Pause and reflect on why you’re giving. Is it to be a good person and give like the person in front of you did, or is it to reflect the generosity God has shown you? If we, the Church, lived generously for the sake of showing the world around us who Jesus is and what he has generously given us, just imagine how humanity’s heart might change.
Rachel Lohman
Western Divisional Field Director
Inspirational