In yesterday’s lesson, I brought up the characters from the classic novella by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol, which follows the transformation of Ebenezer Scrooge.
Scrooge has pursued wealth, status, and isolation over authentic and genuine relationships. Throughout the story, Scrooge is reminded of his choices, choosing business over relationships time after time. Although mournful of what could have been, Scrooge is resolute in his choices until he meets Tiny Tim. At this juncture of the narrative, Scrooge realizes his hard and calculating heart has unintended consequences and collateral damage to those around him. He pleads with the spirit, wanting to know what will change the fate of the small boy, and his guide informs him that it is only through a change in Ebenezer’s heart.
We discover that is the point of the story. Our attitudes, hearts, and actions are not isolated; they have ripple effects on those around us. We might imagine that we are disconnected and removed from other obligations, but we discover that we are more connected than we can comprehend. The antithesis of Scrooge is Bob Cratchit, who prioritizes his relationships over his gain. Because of that, his house is full of warmth and joy.
Dickens’s story is obviously a parable, and I cannot guarantee anything based on how you live your life. However, it has also been my experience that ruthless business practices, miserly behaviors, and isolationism create a dismal life. We are all part of a larger web of relationships, and our actions, no matter how small, have a significant impact on this interconnected system.
The Bible speaks to the relational attitude of generosity. It is not only for those that receive but also for those that give.
2 Corinthians 9:11-15- “You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 13 By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, 14 while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!”
Notice how reciprocal this experience is. Each participant is built up and encouraged by the others around them. Our generosity enriches us in every way possible. You will not be the same; everyone benefits when we practice generosity.
Gift-giving always seemed a little trivial to me. It is swapping trinkets. Once you are old enough to buy your own gifts whenever you want, a gift exchange loses some of the joy. That is until you give someone the perfect gift—the thing they always wanted or needed. You see the light in their eyes. The joy on their face. The excitement of knowing that someone thought of you in a meaningful way. And you are blessed not in the expression of trading material goods but because you interacted with someone more deeply.
Giving in this way is what Paul was describing to the church in Corinth. It was the idea that they saw the needs of the Christians in Jerusalem and thoughtfully met their needs. The example presented to each of us is the example of God’s divine gifts. God saw us, knowing exactly what we needed, and provided that inexpressible gift: the salvation of our souls and humanity’s redemption.
This holiday season, I encourage you to contemplate this level of attentiveness. Not only to give gifts but also to show authentic generosity. But more importantly, to see the needs of those around you and meet those needs. That could be a phone call, hug, or conversation. In our culture, we don’t need more “stuff”. What we need is human connections. And we can all do that when we are genuinely Generous.