Join John Mark Comer, an author and speaker on spiritual formation, alongside Christian Dawson, a thought leader in community engagement. They dive deep into the extravagant generosity of the early church, challenging the conventional views on tithing. Explore what true communal care looks like, as they ponder who the poor really are and how we can serve them today. The duo discusses shifting from rigid giving to a joyful, generous lifestyle, emphasizing the power of relationships built on mutual support in addressing diverse needs within the community.
Genuine generosity transcends traditional tithing, emphasizing heart-driven giving and community support to meet diverse needs.
The early church's radical generosity toward the poor sets a precedent for contemporary believers, encouraging deeper relationships and joy in giving.
Deep dives
The Limitations of Tithing
The discussion begins with the common practice of tithing in American churches, which is often viewed as a foundational principle of generosity. However, it is argued that focusing primarily on the Old Testament concept of tithing can limit one's understanding of biblical generosity. The New Testament does not emphasize tithing, with significant passages discussing monetary generosity without mentioning it explicitly. Instead, the emphasis is placed on the heart of giving and the various ways in which generosity can manifest beyond just giving a percentage to one's local church.
Generosity Towards the Poor
A significant focus of generosity, as presented, is the imperative to support the poor and those in need. Jesus frequently instructs followers to be generous to the poor, framing this as a core aspect of discipleship. This concept is reinforced through historical examples, where the early church was characterized by its radical generosity towards the poor, setting a precedent for contemporary believers. The expectation is clear: genuine generosity encompasses acts that address the needs of others, going beyond mere monetary contributions to foster community and kinship.
Redefining Rich and Poor
The podcast challenges listeners to reconsider their perceptions of who the poor and rich truly are in modern society. Notably, wealth is relative, and many listeners may be richer than they realize, often falling into the global top percentile. This realization prompts a broader definition of 'the poor,' which includes anyone in need, not just those experiencing absolute poverty or homelessness. By broadening the scope of who qualifies as poor, individuals are encouraged to actively seek needs within their communities, fostering relationships that blur the lines between giver and receiver.
Joy Through Generosity
Ultimately, the conversation highlights that genuine generosity results not only in fulfilling the needs of others but also in cultivating joy within the giver. The narrative positions acts of giving and community support as pathways toward a more profound happiness, illustrating that true fulfillment comes from radically generous living. An emphasis is placed on the reciprocal nature of generosity, suggesting that both the givers and receivers benefit from these interactions. This transformative practice is framed not merely as a moral obligation but as a source of joy that enriches the lives of all involved.
The early church was marked by extravagant generosity to the poor. Followers of Jesus formed socioeconomically diverse communities that cared for each other like family, something unheard of in the 1st century Greco-Roman world.
All of this was in response to the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles, which repeatedly emphasize the call to care for those in need. John Mark Comer and Christian Dawson explore how followers of Jesus can walk in the footsteps of the early church by cultivating diverse, interdependent communities. Along the way, they address key questions such as, “Who are the poor, and who are the rich?” And, “What does it look like in my life to care for those in need?”
This podcast accompanies the Generosity Practice, a four-session experience designed to help integrate generosity into your community. Learn more at practicingtheway.org/generosity. Thanks to The Circle and other givers, all our resources are free. To learn more about The Circle, visit practicingtheway.org/give. To run a Practice with your church or small group, visit practicingtheway.org/resources.
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