Most of us think of generosity as a sacrifice—something that costs us. But what if giving is actually one of the wisest, most joy-producing ways to live? When we open our hands, God not only blesses others through us—He transforms us in the process.

That idea lies at the heart of Chip Ingram’s book The Genius of Generosity, and it’s why we were grateful to welcome him to the program. Chip is the founder, teaching pastor, and CEO of Living on the Edge, a discipleship ministry helping believers live like Christians every day.

A Story That Changes Everything

Chip’s understanding of generosity was forever shaped by a man named John—a seventy-year-old accountant who invited Chip, then a young pastor, to lunch one day. After the meal, John handed him a small white box. Inside was a checkbook labeled Pastor’s Discretionary Fund.

John said, “Chip, here’s what I’d like you to do. Carry this checkbook with you every day. Anytime you see a need that Jesus wants to meet—or that you think I’d want to help with—write a check.”

Chip was stunned. He barely knew how to manage his own finances, let alone someone else’s. But John invited him back three times each year to review every check. And so Chip began paying attention to needs around him—fueling a single mom's car, providing groceries for a struggling family, restoring electricity for another.

Over time, something unexpected happened:

• Chip handled John’s money more carefully than his own.
• He found himself eager to spot needs.
• And a deep friendship formed between two men who had nothing in common except a commitment to generosity.

Years later, Chip realized the deeper lesson: What John did for him is what God does for all of us. We manage resources that are not ours. We steward what belongs to the King.

That realization became the seed for The Genius of Generosity.

Why Generosity Is More Than a Virtue

Chip told me that generosity didn’t just change his financial habits—it changed his life. He began seeing giving as an adventure. He describes generosity as a “gateway to intimacy with God,” a doorway into deeper trust and joy. The more he gave, the more he saw God show up.

And interestingly, secular research agrees. Chip noted that even if the Bible didn’t exist, studies consistently show:

• Generous people are happier.
• They enjoy stronger relationships.
• They live longer and experience greater satisfaction.

Why? Because generosity is a creative, life-giving act. It aligns us with how God designed the world.

Generosity Connects Us—to God and to Others

Jesus taught that wherever our treasure goes, our hearts follow. So every act of giving is spiritual formation. It’s discipleship.

And generosity builds unexpected bonds with others. Chip shared the story of a homeless man he saw regularly at a bagel shop. For months, the man never responded to Chip’s greetings. One morning, Chip quietly bought him a coffee and a bagel. Minutes later, the man spoke—opening up about his life, his experiences, even pointing out the rare appearance of Venus in the sky.

A simple act of kindness became the doorway to relationship and transformation.

These moments, Chi