Money and Stuff: Be generous with your surplus

First be honest. Recognise how much of your money and possessions are sufficient for you. Call what’s left over what it is – your surplus. Then sincerely thank God for giving you enough, and for blessing you with more than enough.

Try to think of all that you have as a gift. The Giver gave it to you because he loves you and loves to look after you and bring you happiness. It’s a gift, he doesn’t want it back, it’s yours. He was pleased to give it to you. Don’t feel awkward or ashamed about having it – it’s good. Enjoy it and praise God.

But remember: “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” (1 John 3:17). Indeed you must give to those in need, especially when they are a Christian brother or sister (1 Timothy 6:17-18; see also 1 Corinthians 16:2 & 2 Corinthians 8:11b-12). You are no Christian if you fail in this. But don’t give just because you must. Be glad of the opportunity to extend the generosity you yourself have been shown (2 Corinthians 8:9; 9:7). It’s not about everyone reaching the same measure of wealth. There will always be relatively rich and relatively poor people and that’s okay. Just be generous. You will know if you are being generous or just pretending to be. Give at least a little more lavishly, at least a little more than is reasonable. Be very kind.