The people of God are expected to be generous. The OT contains many references to providing for the poor, being hospitable, etc. These are evidence of generosity. Ancient Jewish culture was well-known for its hospitability. In contract, Gentiles lacked this, so Paul needed to teach, in particular, the Corinthian Church.
The NT refers frequently to real and costly generosity. This started in Jerusalem: Acts 2.45; 4.34-35; then continued in Antioch: 11.27-29. We cannot escape the conclusion that generosity was a key part of the character of the early Church.
Of this generosity, Terry Virgo says; ‘Great grace was on them all and they were transformed to such a degree that they relinquished their exclusive right to their own possessions.’ Such is the remarkable power of grace.
Paul commends the Philippians (Phil 4) for their generosity. When writing to the Corinthians,(2 Cor 8-9), he refers to Christians in Macedonia, ie: Philippi, as his most generous supporters.
In our cynical western and self-centred culture, generosity is becoming more counter-cultural. Christians and Churches who re-capture this grace will become effective in impacting their communities.