Creating Generosity

Br. Curtis Almquist, SSJE shared these words online this week “We have been created in the image of God, whose opening act in creation in the Book of Genesis is generosity. The words ‘genesis’ and ‘generosity’ spring from the same etymological source. Long before death pulls from your grip what you cannot take to the grave, acknowledge it all as gift, and gift it back to God as an offering for God’s use. Participate in God’s generosity.”

It may seem a little strange at first to read that God’s first act in creation was an act of generosity. Yet, think of your own life. When you prepare a meal for someone is that not an act of generosity? Perhaps you are not a cook, but an artist. When you paint a picture, take a photograph, write a poem or story, or write a song is that not an act of generosity? Whenever we give of ourselves to another we are being generous of our time, or talents, or wealth. We are saying with our actions that we want to share what God has given us with another person.

Likewise, when God chose to create the heavens and earth and all that is therein God was giving of Godself to the world that God had imagined and would create. God did not need light, but God realized that the creatures to be created would need light. Similarly, all creatures would need water to live, but as God imagined it some creatures would live in water and some would live on dry land. As God continued to create God would see that each bit of creation was good. In the end all of it would be very good in God’s sight.  

As Br. Curtis wrote above, it is from this original act of creative generosity from God that we learn to be generous to God and to one another. Because we are made in God’s image, our acts of generosity are in our bones in our very DNA. To deny generosity to others is to deny God and to deny ourselves. If we are not generous we are not fulfilling our essence. If we deny our essence which is of God, then we deny God.

What’s more everything we have is of God. No person is self-made. All are made by God. All our gifts, talents, and attributes are from God. When we realize this fundamental fact, we can realize that whatever we have is really ours to give away in the most profligate and generous way possible.

The adage is “you can’t take it with you” so give it away while you can. Give to others all that you have been given as a steward. As St. Francis wrote, “For it is in giving that we receive.” Give as God has given to you and share in God’s generous acts of giving to all creation.