Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 Corinthians 9: 7-8)

[Editor’s Note: As we prepare for Chatham Serves this Sunday, our CD writers this week will take a second look at the core values from our recent Inner Strength series.  Today, David revisits our church’s commitment to be generous-hearted.]

Our society likes to move fast. Let’s cut to the chase. Get to the point. What’s the punchline? Can you write that in less than 160 characters? 

I like to move fast, too.  Let’s not waste time. So, as I prepared to share about one of our core values at Chatham Community Church, I quickly skimmed through the values page on the church website so I could get down to business.  

Being generous. Got it. Easy.  We all know what that word means, so let’s get straight to action!

But wait. Hold up. Pump the brakes. Let’s take a step back. Deep breath.

Chatham Community Church seeks to be a church that is Generous-hearted.  In such a fast-paced society, it’s easy for me to overlook the entire compound word. Generous hyphen hearted.  And apparently, early Christians also lived in a “fast-paced” society because this is something Paul didn’t want them to overlook either.

In his second letter to the Corinthians, Paul sets out to carefully reinforce that generosity isn’t just an action we take to feel good but flows from having God in your heart.   Faith can’t be compelled. You can’t give your heart to Jesus through coercion.  Paul says the same thing about being truly generous.  True generosity is born from our faith in God with his love in your heart. It’s not just about being generous to enjoy those warm fuzzies or receive a pat on the back from your friends.

When I jump too quickly to the “generous” part by pulling it from the hyphened “hearted”, I miss the connection back to God.   I can give: Time, money, empathy, resources.  You name it! These are all good acts. 

But when Paul used the word “cheerful”, it carries a deeper meaning than how we might define cheerful today.  Paul is expressing a joy and happiness so powerful that you lose yourself in the moment and are no longer thinking about yourself.  Being generous is good, but when generosity springs from a generous-heart it’s truly extraordinary!

As I prepare my heart to serve the community this week as part of our Chatham Serves movement, I’m reminded by Paul to stay focused on God, and my faithfulness, which leads to amazing displays of our “Generous-Hearted” value. 

When you reflect on the “Generous-Hearted” value, focus on God, faith, and what’s in your heart first.  Then explore how you can connect being generous as an act of faith, and not just something you do.