By Ashlie Miller
Maybe you remember this exchange from the Andy Griffith episode, “Opie’s Charity.” The dialogue still makes me laugh no matter how many times I’ve watched it:
Andy: “Son, uh, didn’t you… didn’t you ever give anybody anything just for the pleasure of it? Something you didn’t want anything in return for?”
Opie: “Sure! Just yesterday I gave my friend Jimmy somethin’!”
Andy: “Now, that’s fine. What’d you give him?”
Opie: “A sock in the head.”
Andy: “I… I meant charity.”
Opie: “I didn’t charge him nothing.”
Andy: “I meant somethin’ for the joy of givin’.”
Opie: “I enjoyed it!”
It reminds me of 2 Corinthians 9:7, “God loves a cheerful giver.” But why do we feel generous, especially as we enter the holiday season? We may want to give to meet someone’s needs, and that’s noble. Maybe we feel good when we give to someone who seems less fortunate. Who doesn’t want to feel good during seasons when we may be prone to sadness or depression? Nor do we want to be a Scrooge.
Although many are focused on putting up Christmas decorations this weekend, I would remind readers that another worthy holiday deserves our attention: Thanksgiving. While Christmas brings warmth in winter, or at least distractions from grief and sorrow, Thanksgiving can feel like a pause that many would rather avoid. Expressing genuine gratitude can feel like grasping at the wind, amidst a difficult season, year, or life. Even if we are grateful, our joy can be diminished when we know someone else is struggling to experience the joy that comes with giving thanks.
Maybe we can do something about that. Continuing in 2 Corinthians 9, the Apostle Paul encourages the church there to give to believers in need in other cities. He explains that beyond mere provision, they would increase thanksgiving to God to the point of overflowing. Those in need would be thankful for the gift, the givers, and the ultimate Giver, God. This generosity would also increase unity between the believers. I think our being generous can increase our own gratitude: “Thank you, Lord, for putting me in a position to give and for giving me a cheerful heart!”
While this directive is given to the Church in this passage, we can all experience the joy of giving – sharing food, gifts, and other acts of service. There are many ways to give. There are many needs. I encourage readers to consider those who need a reminder of the healing power of gratitude and thanksgiving. Nothing lifts our spirits like being grateful! We can be united with others through provision and opportunities for praise and thanksgiving.
When you are the recipient of someone’s generosity this season, may it propel you towards thanksgiving. If you are in a position to cheerfully share acts of generosity, may God bless you for being a blessing and a catalyst for thanksgiving and praise!
