Radical Generosity


From Pastor to Millionaire… Giver! from Generous Giving on Vimeo.


 
I ran across an amazingly inspiring and challenging video about giving today while checking in on one of my favored blogs, http://discipleshipguy.com. I was particularly struck by this video because yesterday I preached on having a passionate anguish for others. The sermon point was simply about how when we are stirred by compassion a door is opened for God to work miracles.
 
We reflected specifically on the story of Jesus feeding the five thousand with two fishes and five loaves. Upon hearing the tragic news of the twisted murder of John the Baptist, Jesus tries to withdraw only to find himself faced with a sick and wanting crowd. Rather than being put out he is “moved with compassion” more literally “stirred in the gut” by their need and performs a miracle to feed them. The miracle begins though with Jesus gut reaction to their need. The disciples did not feel that same compassion and wanted to send the people away.
 
I hadn’t thought about how our passionate anguish over another person’s need might effect us in terms of our financial stewardship. I thought about it in terms of prayer and acts of service, but the guy in the video above, Frances Chan, really hits on how his passionate anguish over the needs of people in Africa catapulted him into giving radically generous gifts. Do yourself a challenging favor and watch this video. Afterwards, ask yourself these questions…
 
What need stirs me in the gut so strongly that I must do something to help?
How radical am I willing to allow my love of God to become?
How might my lack of compassion be limiting what God can do?
 
 

 

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