Well, when we are generous with our wealth a number of great things happen.
Firstly, our generosity brings praise to God [2 Corinthians 9:12-13]. I guess that real sacrificial giving, such as the Macedonians exhibited, is so rare that it will point people to the God who inspired it and to his gracious character [2 Corinthians 8:8-9].
And then Jesus tells us that our generosity frees us from the strangle-hold that our money often has on us [Matthew 6:19-24]. It helps us to learn tot rust God [Matthew 6:25-34] and if that doesn't make you joyful, nothing will.
Furthermore the Bible is clear that God blesses the generous. Not that he will make us money-rich but he will bless us [2 Corinthian 9:6, 10-11]. And who could not be pleased that their giving contributed to people being introduced to Jesus and getting their lives changed [2 Corinthians 9:13]!
There is no better investment in existence than that, and we don't have to pay for the advice, there is no brokerage fee and the market is never going to collapse. The bottom line is that our generosity is for our own good. It brings joy and blessing if our heart is in God.
Bruce Dingwall, Senior Minister
