But maybe the time when it seems like we have least is the very best time to be thinking about giving. As someone who has just found themselves in the thirties bracket I’m discovering some truth in the old adage that the habits you form early on set the tone for the rest of your life. And I’m doing some quick reversals! As I also thought about the global financial downturn I began to realise that everyone has less and so those who are already struggling are now in a worse position than before, and so much more in need of our generosity.

In the Old Testament God designed an economic system in which there should be no poverty. His people were to demonstrate his likeness to others (Deut 15.4). As God blessed his people with a physical place to make their home he asked them to be open-handed, to not be stingy, to live generously, and to mirror his generosity to them. Obviously the prophets show us how they screwed up big time and instead oppressed the poor. Then in Jesus, God himself steps into time demonstrating the ultimate generosity of God in setting aside his riches and becoming poor so that we could be rich. Generosity lies at the very heart of who God is. As people who are trying to follow, Jesus is an indicator of how closely we are walking with him. I guess we struggle to live generously as giving (whether cash or possessions) means we have to start relying on God. Yet it is when we begin to live generously – when we begin to live this life of trusting God that we begin to discover a freedom [and lightness (?)]

So if we are committed to helping live out God’s kingdom and seeking justice for those who are denied the opportunities we have, how much should we give? The obvious answer is that we tithe 10% of our income. But does doing so mean we can then relax? Is that really living generously? In 2 Corinthians 8.13 Paul talks about giving so there would be equality, not just some people a little less badly off. It’s not really something we hear too much in church is it? Sounds a bit Marxist? Do you think it’s possible to live generously like that?

I guess 10% is a good starting point for all of us, but not something we should be rigid about. I dream of being part of a community who live freely with their money – giving generously to those in need, giving as God’s Spirit leads, not clutching on to what we feel we deserve. Therefore, living with our trust not in ourselves but in God as the generous provider.

What about direct debits? Some argue that we should be engaged in our giving, that the joy of writing each cheque lost in direct debits means we forget about what we’re giving which simply becomes something that comes out of our bank accounts. Everyone works differently, however as someone who works for a charity it really helps us when people commit to regular direct debits as it allows us to plan for the future and know what we can spend. A wise friend of mine shared with me that he only gives to a few organisations – maybe 3 and endeavours to support them well. He can pray for them, has time to read their magazines and stay in touch with what they are doing.

What sort of difference could we make if we did commit to living more generously? How can we help each other do that? What have you found helpful? How can you begin to practice living more generously this week?