by A message from Darrin Chastain about kingdom economics and the transformative power of giving
When we think of “radical generosity,” what comes to mind? The widow who gave her last two coins? Zacchaeus pledging to give away half his wealth? Warren Buffett committing to donate 99% of his $100 billion fortune? Mother Teresa serving the poor in Calcutta?
These are all examples of giving that goes far beyond the ordinary—generosity that’s so different from the usual that we call it “radical.”
The Early Church Model
The early church provides us with perhaps the clearest picture of what radical generosity looks like in practice. In Acts 2 and 4, we see believers who “held everything in common,” selling their possessions and distributing the proceeds to anyone in need. The result? “There was not a needy person among them.”
But here’s the key: their generosity wasn’t just about catching the contagious wave of giving from their fellow believers. It was rooted in something much deeper—the gospel had taken hold of their lives. The Holy Spirit had changed and empowered them. Their radical giving was the natural overflow of transformed hearts.
What Does the Bible Say About Giving?
Paul’s teaching in 2 Corinthians 9 gives us clear guidance: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
The principle is simple: willingness to give must come from the overflow of God’s mercy and grace in our lives. As we come to know God, we experience the freedom to cheerfully participate in what He’s doing. Generosity becomes who we are, not just what we do.
And notice God’s promise: “God is able to bless you abundantly so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
What Does Changed Living Look Like?
When John the Baptist was asked what repentance looked like in practical terms, his answer was surprisingly simple:
- “Anyone who has two shirts should share with one who has none”
- “Anyone who has food should share”
- Be fair in business
- Be content with your wages
Is this radical? Or is this simply the kind of behavior God expects from someone made in His image?
Real-Life Examples of Radical Generosity
Sometimes we see radical generosity up close. Just over a year ago, a family at our church experienced the unimaginable. Their house exploded due to a gas leak, leaving them with nothing. The response from their community was overwhelming:
- A friend who didn’t have much brought $10,000 cash, saying “I can’t not give it”
- Someone provided a brand new vehicle to use
- Another gave unlimited use of their car
- Friends opened their home for an extended stay
- The local pharmacist brought their medications
They observed something profound: “The people that didn’t have the means gave the most.”
Beyond the Leftovers
True generosity isn’t just about giving what we don’t need anymore. It’s about:
- Giving our best, not just our leftovers
- When buying for clothing drives or Operation Christmas Child, choosing quality items that will make someone say “wow”
- When we receive unexpected blessings—inheritances, raises, windfalls—asking first “How can I use this to further God’s kingdom?” rather than “How can this improve my situation?”
Faith in Action
James reminds us that “faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead.” Our generosity is one of the clearest ways our faith shows up in our actions. When we see someone in need and simply say “Go in peace, keep warm and well fed” without actually helping, what good is that?
The greatest example of radical generosity is Jesus Himself—leaving heaven’s splendor, serving the poor and needy, and giving His life so we might have life. His call to us is clear: “If anyone wants to follow me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
The Foundation of It All
Here’s what’s crucial to understand: radical generosity is not about earning God’s favor or paying for our sins. It’s our joyful response to God’s radical act of generosity toward us.
The gospel message is simple: God offers us forgiveness and new life through Jesus Christ. But like any gift, it must be accepted. It requires saying “no” to our self-sufficiency and “yes” to His mercy and grace.
When we truly grasp what God has done for us—redeeming us from sin and death—our response naturally becomes one of generosity. We’re redeemed not just from something (condemnation), but to something: to participate in God’s kingdom here and now, to be channels of His blessing to others.
The Question for Today
So here’s the question: Is the kind of care, generosity, sacrifice, unity, and love displayed by the early followers of Christ truly “radical”? Or is it simply the normal result of transformed lives?
Perhaps what we call “radical generosity” is simply what happens when people fully embrace the gospel and allow it to transform how they live, give, and serve. Maybe it’s not radical at all—maybe it’s just what kingdom living looks like.
The choice is ours: Will we accept God’s generous offer of salvation and allow it to transform us into generous people? Will we take up our cross and follow Him, giving ourselves away for the sake of others?
That’s where radical generosity begins.
LISTEN TO OR WATCH THE FULL SERMON HERE:
Daniel N. Lee 