SEPTEMBER 3

Hilarious Generosity

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

HAVE YOU HEARD THIS saying from Dawson Trotman?

Thoughts disentangle themselves when they pass through the lips and the fingertips.

I first heard it decades ago. Just about every time I put it to the test, it works! Whenever I have difficulty comprehending the complicated or clarifying the complex, I talk it out or I write it out. This is especially helpful when it comes to scriptural truth. For some strange reason, the human brain seems reluctant to retain divine information simply by hearing it. Writing Scripture out gives a more complete sense of understanding.

Not long ago I preached a message on giving that I titled “Hilarious Generosity.” In a nutshell, my desire was to communicate the importance of joy —heartfelt hilarity —when we give to God. For the sermon, we looked at several verses in Proverbs, more in Exodus, some in Nehemiah, and a couple in Matthew. But the crux of my point was taken from a passage written by the apostle Paul to the Christians at Corinth:

Remember this —a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 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 9:6-8

You know what the word “cheerful” really means? Hilarious. That’s the only time it’s found in the New Testament. It’s the hilarious giver God prizes. Go ahead, say it! It comes through your lips. Now write that check with cheerfulness . . . those thoughts are starting to “disentangle through your fingertips,” aren’t they?