You may have heard of the website “GoFundMe.” The website was created back in 2010 as a “fundraising platform dedicated to helping people help each other.” Since 2010, the website has raised over 30 billion dollars. 30 billion dollars sure does sound like the fundraising platform has successfully met their goal of helping people help each other. In fact, maybe you have even donated before. Usually when tragedy strikes, one of the first things you’ll hear about is a GoFundMe page that was set up so others can help. When the situation someone is in feels helpless, it feels good to be able to help, to somehow be part of their healing. People even donate to others that they don’t personally know. It’s a wonderful platform that allows people to carry each other’s burdens. It’s a beautiful picture of startling generosity.

Jesus is an example of startling generosity—the ultimate example. No, he didn’t donate money to your cause, but even more, he gave up his life for you. Your debt was too great for any price to be paid, but Jesus, in love, hung on a cross, suffered, and died to declare you debt free. What an example you have in Jesus to freely be so generous.
Our reading today says, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake, he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9

You were in great need and Jesus came to your rescue. Not with riches, but with his own body and blood.

You have an opportunity to give to our Lord in thanks. He gives you many opportunities to use what he has given to you to give back to him. This isn’t something that you “have to do”, but rather “get to do” to show love, gratefulness, and honor to God. It is an opportunity to give freely, with joy in your heart, and to say, “thank you” to your Savior for all that he has done for you.

Your money, your talents, and your time, have all been given to you by him. To God be the glory! Be startling generous with it.