Thankfulness and Generosity

Indonesia, Kenya, Singapore, Gambia, Nigeria, United States, Ukraine and Canada. What do these countries have in common? They are the top eight countries in the world in their charitable giving in 2024, ranked in order by percentage of adults who donated money. See this website

Are you as surprised as I am? Just for curiosity, I looked at the top eight countries by per capita GDP (ie. average wealth) on the same website. Here are the results: Luxembourg, Switzerland, Ireland, Singapore, Norway, Iceland, United States, and Macau. There’s not much overlap!

In today’s Bible passage, King David had a moment of introspection as he paused after his praise and worship of the Lord (see verses 10-13). After David and the people had given generously of everything they had to see the work on the temple accomplished, I can almost see David with tears of gratitude and humility in his eyes as he said, “But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this?”

David had an “aha” moment. Do you know what I mean? Something clicked in his head to lead him to acknowledge that they had only given back to God what God’s hand had given to them.

A spirit of thankfulness does this, whether for a king or an everyday person like you or me! David had just finished reminding himself and his people of who their God was, the Supplier of everything, and out of thankful hearts, they were, as a king and kingdom, able to give generously.

I live in Canada, and my country used to be higher on the list of charitable giving! What has happened to “my people”? Have we forgotten to cultivate a thankful heart for everything that we’ve been given by God? Can we ever be more generous again?

Father God, Giver of everything that I have, please remind me to be thankful and generous today. Amen.

Throughout this day: Ask yourself, “Am I a generous person? If not, is a lack of thankfulness an issue?” Ask God to show you where you can “give back” from what God has given you. Read through David’s praise and worship time in this chapter, and let God speak to you, as he did to David.