The Miriam-Webster dictionary defines generosity as the act of being generous and a generous person is described as one who gives with an open-hand as opposed to someone who is tight-fisted. I have met many generous people over the years, people who having very little themselves have given freely to others. It seems though that how much we have, has little to do with our willingness to give. Jesus once praised a poor woman who gave to God two small coins, all she had, while condemning a wealthy man who gave a tiny amount of all he had. Sometimes we can even give generously with our money in such a way that it is disconnected from any care or concern for the person who benefits from our giving.
Manaakitanga is a Maori word that picks up on the idea of generosity for others. It’s defined as the process of showing respect, generosity and care for others. This word has a much broader meaning than our English word generosity as it is not just about what is given but the way in which something is given. The focus is not on the giver but on the person who is being cared for.
It seems to me that this word is a good word for describing the generosity of God. God who showers his world with good things and who longs for the very best for each and every one of us. A God who as Jesus notes ‘He makes the sun rise on both good and bad people. And he sends rain for the ones who do right and for the ones who do wrong.’ (Mat 5:45) A God who loves us even when we don’t return that love.
I wonder how we might respond to God’s generosity and I wonder how we might show that same generosity to those we meet each day.
This Sunday Andrew will be thinking about the genrosity of God as we gather to celebrate the meal Jesus instituted (communion) so long ago.
Mainly Music - Meets Wednesday’s from 10.00am. This programme is a fun way for parents and their children to spend quality time together based around music and movement. It is a way for us as a church to connect with and offer something back to the community of which we are a part. It’s also a way for us to demonstrate care, concern and support for those with young children.
Small Groups are now up and running again. Contact the church office@pb.org.nz if you would like to join one
Oh and for those who are unable to join us we will still have an on-air service for you @10.30am and again @ 8pm on Thursday evening on Coast Access Radio 104.7FM or you can livestream at
http://coastaccessradio.org.nz/Listen/index.aspx The message and prayers will also be posted to the sermon page on this website.
If at this time you need someone to chat with then please call the church office 04 2987766 or email office@pb.org.nz and we’ll get back to you.
And we are also on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/paraparaumubaptist
Grace and peace