Generosity

Generosity doesn’t always come easily. In certain ways, for each one of us, we can be ridiculously generous, but in other ways we hesitate and may even be a little stingy. It might be comfortable to say, “Yes! Please take another slice of that!”, but it might be uncomfortable to say, “I forgive you for that thing that you said or did.” And yet, both the tangible and intangible are aspects of generosity.

Regardless of the nature of the need for generosity—financial, emotional, spiritual…having the right heart in our generosity is important. Paul says, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. And 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.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Jesus Himself indicates that not only is having the right heart in generosity vital but that it even has promises attached to it: “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:37,38 He declares that if we are abundantly generous even in spiritual matters, the same generosity we show to others will be lavished upon us, even poured out to us.

Today, where is it that we need to be generous? Is it financially, or could it be spiritually? Do we need to reach out to a brother or sister in need monetarily or do we need to reach out in patience, forgiveness, self-control and the like? Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to speak to our hearts and show us where the need lies.