God So Loved, He Gave: Entering the Movement of Divine Generosity

by Kelly M. Kapic, Justin L. Borger (Contributor)

The God who created a good and perfect world, but whose world turned from him, has brought restoration through The Father loved the world and gave the Son, and the Father and the Son pour out the gift of the Spirit into the hearts of humanity bringing about praise, hope, and new creation. Those who are united to the Son by his Spirit then find they have received the glorious gift of God’s coming Kingdom. In other words, the Gospel is shaped by God’s generosity buys us out of bondage and brings us into all the blessings of belonging. But the good news is not only that God has made us to be recipients of his grace but also participants in the movement of his divine justice and generosity. Living in God’s gifts, Christians discover they are free to give themselves. The cross and resurrection of Christ come to shape and define this new life of faith, hope and generosity―a life that is best lived not in isolation but as a community. Throughout the book special attention is given to the relationship between divine generosity and concern for the poor and oppressed. Kapic and Borger encourage readers to not simply discover the immensity of God’s grace, but to enter into the flow of divine generosity as God has invited them to become avenues of his great gifts to the world.

Genres: Christian, Theology, Nonfiction, Audiobook

288 pages, Hardcover

First published September 23, 2010

Reviews

[Jamie Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE KELLY KAPIC!! He has so many good one liners but also is just a great writer. 10/10 would recommend

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very thought-provoking book that challenges the reader to examine how he or she is living life as a recipient of God's grace and as a participant in God's grace in others' lives. It's very academic and theological while, at the same time, remaining personable and compassionate. Great juxtaposition. There are parts I need to reread!

[Miller Wortham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweetly grounding and refreshing reflection on God’s gracious generosity and our response to the gift. As someone working in the nonprofit sector, this theological framework for generosity was refreshing and relevant, and I particularly enjoyed learning about tithe in ancient Israel, which would have added up to 23% of landowners’ income, only been paid by resourced (land holding) families, and was used for supporting clergy, helping the poor, and feasting. As an extra bonus, the audiobook is narrated by Kapic himself, who brings all the charm and compassion of his real self to the book (even if his earthy humor doesn’t make the cut).

[Bobby Bonser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall this was a great book highlighting the generosity of God in the gospel. The discussion in the book ranges on a variety of topics, but I really appreciated his discussion on imitating Jesus, on the false dichotomy of word and deed that so often is purported in the church, and lastly his unpacking the meaning of true hospitality. There are a few sections where I think he is borderline “social justice warrior.” But he has a pretty healthy balance between law and gospel, and clear description of the proper order of Salvation/ sanctification. Very helpful and exciting read.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed listening to this book. I felt that I was listening to Dr. Kapic in his classroom at Covenant again. Definitely recommended.

[Justin Lonas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good crash course in Trinitarian theology with practical application to our response to God's grace with generosity—i.e. how the love of God poured out on us produces love of neighbor.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite book on the theology of generosity. Generosity can seem like something on the edges of our Christian life, but by showing us afresh the profound Triune experience of and quality of generosity, Kapic places the call and response of generosity in a new light. Our generosity is expression of us living into the kingdom of our generous God through the power and generosity of the Spirit.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because we’ve been given so much through Jesus, we are freed and empowered to give to others... and that is also how we become most joyful and fulfilled in life. What a high calling and purpose! Writing this review a couple years after reading the book (hate it when I do that🙄) but I remember enjoying it even if I don’t remember the ins and outs of what was written.

[Budi Kurniawan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything we own in this world is not ours, but belongs to God. God also gave himself to us. It is therefore we should be giving Christians, too. This book explains thoroughly how we should enter into the divine generosity.

[Garrett Vogele · Rating 5 out of 5]

This just might be the best book about Christianity I’ve ever read. It covered so much more than I was expecting and was practically poetic the way that Scripture, theology, and history was weaved together to paint a beautiful picture of God’s Grace. I can’t wait to read more of this author’s work!