Practicing Generosity
"God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7) Generosity is a fundamental virtue in Christian life, reflecting the very nature of God, who gives abundantly and freely. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, St. Paul exhorts believers to give not reluctantly or under compulsion but cheerfully, for God values the sincerity and joy behind giving. This principle challenges the human tendency toward selfishness and attachment to material wealth. True generosity is not merely an obligation but a response of gratitude for God’s countless blessings. The willingness to give stems from a heart recognizing that all possessions are ultimately gifts from God. The Bible is replete with examples of generosity. In the Old Testament, Abraham exemplified a generous heart when he offered the best portion of land to Lot (Genesis 13:9), prioritizing peace over personal gain. Likewise, in the New Testament, the widow who gave her last two coins in the temple (Mark 12:41-44) demonstrated that generosity is no...