There is a strong biblical emphasis on generosity as a practice and culture which followers of Jesus are called to grow in.
2 Corinthians 8:1 gives us a great example in the Macedonian church, where it says, "We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part."
What drives us into a culture and lifestyle of generosity is not the obligation to do so, but when we truly understand how blessed we are in Jesus Christ, we will become an overflow of His blessing in us to others.
However, there is a prevailing spirit that goes against a generous heart in churches nowadays. Here are five common excuses given by people who choose not to act in generosity.
Reason #1. "I don't have enough."
The world wants us to believe that the possessions and provisions given to us from God are not enough. Truth is that God can and has most probably blessed us to overflowing, and we have been too distracted by possessions to realize it.
Hebrews 13:5 says, "Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you.'"
Reason #2. "This won't make a difference."
We all remember the story of the time Jesus multiplied a few small fish and loaves of bread to feed 5,000 men. This would have not happened if the boy who willingly gave up his offering chose not to be generous because he thought it wouldn't make a difference.
Whatever little we have, God can multiply and use for His glory.
Reason #3. "My wealth is the product of my sweat and blood."
In 1 Chronicles 29:13, David shares the revelation that "all things come from [God]" and what we give to Him is actually just returned. We may have worked for the money, time and resources that we have now, but it is God who gives us the ability to produce wealth.
Reason #4. "I need it more than they do."
When God calls us to act in generosity, it's mostly because He calls you to help someone in need. Even when we think our needs are greater than theirs, it must always be kept in mind that God is sovereign and loving and will not neglect our needs if we obey and put our trust in Him.
Reason #5. "I need to be selfish to survive."
Reason will tell us that the more we accumulate, the more we will have. The Kingdom of God, however, works on a completely different principle. Acts 20:35 says, "In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
