Rich in Generosity

In America, the poor tend to out give the rich in terms of the percentage of their income. This is also the segment of society that relies more on public transportation and rent their homes. They tend to be students, elderly, women, minorities, and recent immigrants. People have proposed many reasons for the poor’s generosity.

For one, the poor know what it’s like to need help, aren’t afraid of poverty, and are satisfied with what little they have. But researchers say that faith is probably the biggest factor. Poor people are more likely to attend church, and churchgoers give more to secular and religious charities. The poor are also more likely to attend tithing churches than non-tithing churches.

Third John introduces a man named Gaius. Gaius was a very common name, and little is known about the man John writes about. But John’s letter makes two things clear. First, Gaius “[walked] in the truth” (3 John 3). Second, Gaius was generous and hospitable. Although he doesn’t give specifics, John indicates that Gaius helped traveling missionaries.

On the other hand, Third John also introduces Diotephes—a proud man given to slandering the apostles. Diotephes was not generous to traveling missionaries: “He himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church” (3 John 10). Even during the apostles’ time, faithful Christians were more generous than others—but let’s not allow the facts to pat us on the back. After all, John didn’t just commend Gaius’ generosity; he encouraged him to continue in it. How can you continue in generosity and hospitality?

Key Bible Texts

But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. (2 Corinthians 9:6 KJV)