A dear friend left this earth a year ago for her heavenly home. We had been friends for 47 years. I’m so grateful that my husband and I visited with her a month previously, for what proved to be the last time, until we meet again.

Joan was one of the most generous people I have ever known. Even though we weren’t staying with her that time, as we usually did when we visited the little village of New Denver, B.C., she insisted on inviting us for supper three nights in a row. We didn’t mind having leftovers. It was just enough to be together, and enjoy catching up on all our news, and talking about our families. Joan would be having knee surgery on the fourth day of our holiday. Despite the pain in her knee, Joan graciously looked after us, and didn’t talk about her knee at all, until we brought it up. She truly gave of herself and focused on the other person.

Joan and her pastor husband lived a life of cheerful generosity. St. Paul says, “They were obedient to the good news of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 9:13b NLT) “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” (2 Corinthians 9:7b NLT) They welcomed those who knocked on their door, who knew that the coffee pot would always be on, and homemade baking would be set out. It was a treat to bask in their warm friendliness. They selflessly gave of their time and care in this way. At other times –anytime, really– I could call on Joan to listen to my woes. I was just learning to follow Jesus, and this couple gave of their time and experience to help me grow in and understand God’s ways.

It wasn’t known to the average person, but I found out that Joan and her husband tithed their modest income. Not only did they did give ten percent, as the Bible commands, but I was astounded to learn that they tithed another ten percent to missionary efforts. They truly understood this verse in the Bible: “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.(2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT) As a result, they didn’t really lack anything as they brought up their four children. Their generous sowing allowed them to reap generously, to be able to share with others.

Do we give generously and cheerfully? St. Paul says, “And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure.” ( 2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT) Sometimes I wonder how giving like this is even possible until I remember, “For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.” (2 Corinthians 9:10 NLT) We don’t have to worry that we won’t have enough for ourselves. God has all the resources we need.

Let’s give freely of our time and resources to benefit others. Let’s be cheerful givers.

Alice Burnett
Red Deer, Alberta, Canada