Newsletter article

Generosity, a Gift of the Spirit

"Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,

gentleness, and self-control"

From Galatians 5:22-23

In this ongoing series on this list of the gifts of the Spirit, an image of a pyramid has been used. The idea is that Joy is more possible when there is first Love. Peace, patience and the others are natural "by-products" (not the right word, but it will do) of a strong foundation of Love and Joy. As I mentioned before, it's likely that the Apostle Paul does not have this shape in mind. He probably listed gifts as they came to mind, as they have been shown to him through the experience of the community of faith. But the pyramid shape might still be helpful to us as we think about the gifts of the Spirit.

Now, generosity. I'm writing this from home today because I have been battling a cold and I have a nine-year-old to watch after. A member of the congregation just came to my front door and presented me with a few envelopes. One had more monetary gifts for the family our church is helping this Christmas. With these gifts added in, there will be nearly $500 to use strategically to help a family in our community. These gifts along with the many other gifts purchased for the family are given simply because that family has a need and we have the desire to share. There's generosity if I have ever seen it. Over the years our congregation has been able to touch the lives of many people, asking nothing in return. We just wanted to be able to practice the generosity that we experience from God. The families we help are so thankful. It's a humbling experience to be the giver.

The other envelope contained a beautiful card and generous gift of money for my family and me. We have been so blessed by this community but especially St. Paul Lutheran Church. We have a very deep and sincere gratitude for the generosity and love that we have experienced in our faith community. Thank you!

According to one etymological dictionary, "generous" has an original literal meaning "of noble birth." Those who are generous are showing they are of noble birth. That's quite interesting, isn't it? It assumes a position of power, but power used in the best of ways. So when you are generous, you are giving from a position of strength. You're sharing your strength so that your neighbor can become stronger. The miracle of generosity is that generosity grows when it is given. I think that's because it is a gift of the Spirit, and when the Holy Spirit is involved, there is abundant supply. And as we are turning our hearts and minds toward Christmas and Epiphany, we remember that Jesus is the One who is of most "noble birth."

You know when you've received from someone's generosity. Remember, it is one of the ways God touches your life. If you have love, peace, patience and kindness, generosity will easily follow.

Pastor James Aalgaard

Patience, a Gift of the Spirit

Once you have love, joy, and peace, can patience follow?

Here we are, working our way through one of the lists of the gifts of the Spirit. Does each gift build on the previous gift? Like the tiers of a pyramid, do the gifts of the Spirit come together so that the top of the pyramid, the cap, is “self-control?” Well, I am probably linking these gifts in a way that was not intended by Paul, but it is an interesting thought. Maybe self-control is so rare because the previous gifts are often not in place!

But now we have the gift of patience. As I look over this list, it seems that patience is the least people-oriented gift of the Spirit. When I think of patience, I think of it as something I need to “do” so that “I” can have what “I” have been waiting for. Blech. And it is usually about materials things, stuff that loses it’s shine and smell of newness as soon as I bring it into my home. Entire economies are built trusting that people are not very good at patience.

If we re-frame this gift however, if we cast a different light on it which is the light of the Holy Spirit, if we see it from another angle, perhaps it becomes more attractive and achievable. What if patience is more about what happens one person to another? What if we could put away our fascination with “stuff” for a while and think about the people who are part of our lives? All of a sudden it seems like we have better air to breathe. We know there are people who are patient with us, and so we recognize the ability to be patient with others.

Lyman Abbott wrote “Patience is passion tamed.” The patience that the Holy Spirit gives is a far cry from apathy or lethargy. The apathetic and lethargic are not patient - they have simply given up. When passion has a direction and the strength to get there one step at a time, like a laser, there is a tremendous amount of direction and purpose.

So in our faith, when is patience called for? You should add to this list:
When our children and grandchildren have not demonstrated a living, active faith.
When people of other faith traditions tell you “how it is.”
When you disappoint yourself spiritually.
When the Bible isn’t speaking to you.
When you would like to finish your journey in this life, and be with your Lord in heaven.
When each today is too much like yesterday.
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________

May the Lord of love, joy, peace and patience be with you.