| Generosity Matters - article by Joel Hempel
God said to them [Adam and Eve], “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over . . . every living thing that moves on earth” (Genesis 1:28). Every time I walk out into our yard, in addition to loving the beauty God and Marcia have created, I see holes drilled into our woodshed by carpenter bees, thousands of dollars in damage to our deck and siding by squirrels, and large oak trees that need periodic pruning by expensive professional tree jockeys. Creation was intended to be perfect, but never was it intended to be without labor and expense. It would always require subduing and domination – not the subjugation and domination of a brutal king, but the thoughtful and measured suppression and governing of a caring authority. From the beginning, nature was always meant to be a challenge. But after humankind’s fall into sin and the collateral damage inflicted upon God’s creation, disasters have followed (see Romans 8:20-22). I’m not going to get into the debate about global warming, but this article does take on the reality of the devastating violence some people have to endure from nature’s wrath. A couple of Sundays ago, Ronnie talked with me about the destruction of people and property in Iowa from an EF-4 tornado that ripped through Greenfield and the surrounding communities. I don’t have to tell any of you that some people are inflicted with way more suffering than anyone should have to endure. Does the church have any responsibility to attend to the needs of those suffering from natural or manmade disasters? Through the words of Saints Luke and Paul, God gives us a resounding yes! Based on a reliable forecast (prophesy) of an impending famine, St. Paul asked for financial assistance from churches far and near on behalf of fellow Christians and non-Christians alike within the anticipated disaster zone of Judea – the area between the Mediterranean and Dead Seas (see Acts 11:27-30; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, 13-15; 9:1-5; Romans 15:25-28).
What good is such generosity? Paul lists a fourfold benefit in 2 Corinthians 9:12-14: - The needs of fellow Christians are supplied.
- The giving and receiving results in thanksgiving to God. Why?
- Because God’s people are acting like God’s people. The Gospel is put into action.
- “All others” are served along with Christians. The blessed become a blessing.
Like the story of the Good Samaritan, Christians are admonished to go out of their way to help and befriend those suffering personally or from nature’s fury. It’s our Gospel-inspired privilege to provide support and financial aid. To God be the glory, great things we get to do in the name of Jesus! | 
