Generosity Is Not Optional (2 Corinthians 8:1-9)

            As we noted in the Introduction, 2 Corinthians chapters 8-9 form a separate section of Paul’s letter in which he addresses the topic of the collection for the churches in Judea. This project was a passion of the apostle’s and he promoted it vigorously in his churches (1 Corinthians 16:1-3). Paul begins this section by pointing to the exemplary generosity of the churches in Macedonia and implying that he expects no less from the Corinthians. Just as the believers in Corinth have displayed an abundance of faith, ability to proclaim the truth,[10] knowledge, enthusiasm and love, so they should strive to abound in the “gift” (Gk. charis) of generosity. The term “gift” has a double meaning here. It has the sense of “spiritual gift” referring to God’s gift to them of the virtue of generosity, and it has the sense of “donation,” referring to their gifts of money to the collection. This makes the point doubly clear that generosity is not an option for Christians, but part of the Spirit’s work in our lives.

            In the workplace, a generous spirit is the oil that makes things run smoothly on a number of levels. Employees who sense that their employers are generous will be more willing to make sacrifices for their organizations when they become necessary. Workers who are generous with their coworkers will create a ready source of help for themselves and a more joyful and satisfying experience for everyone.

             Generosity is not always a matter of money. To name only a few examples, employers can be generous by taking time to mentor workers, providing a workplace of beauty, offering opportunities for training and development, genuinely listening to someone with a problem or complaint, visiting an employee’s family member in the hospital. Coworkers can offer generosity by helping others do their work better, making sure no one is left out socially, standing up for those who suffer misuse, offering true friendship, sharing praise, and apologizing for offenses. Bill Diehl gives the example of a male executive whose generosity was simply to begin making his own coffee, instead of expecting the lower-ranking women in his office to do it.[11]