Generosity

Generosity…what a simple, splendid word!  In my small group we were having a discussion about “what is generosity”.  Someone said they thought PVUMC is generous.  As the discussion continued we all had something to say about how generous PVUMC is!  One of my first experiences of seeing the generosity was at camp three years ago.  The theme was “candyland” and the decorations were amazing.  I walked in the back of the kitchen and saw all of the fun napkins they would use.  When I went into the walk-in refrigerator there were boxes of all kinds of candy and candy bars.  There was a cotton candy machine!  I was blown away that the church could do this for our children and youth!  Since then I have seen generosity in so many ways through suppers, drive throughs, studies, revivals, Christmas shows, etc.  I am constantly grateful that I can send letters out - snail mail - each week to those going through tough times, some from PVUMC and some not.  

My latest witness to PVUMC’s generosity is giving our members a One Year Bible to all who want one.  How wonderful is this for our church to study the Bible all year, together!  We will never be the same after spending this time in God’s Word.  Recently Pastor Tim mentioned the generosity here at PVUMC.  He thanked all of you who made these things possible.  Our giving was $106,000.00 OVER our 2021 total budget!

How does this happen?  I believe it is because generosity is a function of the heart, not the wallet.  Hearts are being touched here at PVUMC.  I read that someone asked John D. Rockefeller, how much money is enough.  He replied, “Just a little more.”  2 Corinthians 9: 10, “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.”  When we become aware of how generous God is, we begin to give.  His generosity is the gift that keeps on giving!  For It is in giving that we receive.  

God has given us His love, generously.  He has given us mercy and grace, generously.  We are here because of our generous Creator.  He always goes above and beyond anything we can imagine.  Ephesians 3: 20, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…”  Thank you, PVUMC, for your generous hearts that touch so many people and so many ministries!  

“Everyone can experience the joy and blessing of generosity; because everyone has something to give.”