Let me ask a tough question today - Which attitude shapes your daily life more often - “You serve me” or “I serve you?” Think of your most basic interactions with others. Are you quick to look for ways to make their life better? Which is more frequent from your lips- criticism or praise? The answers will reveal whether you are generous. Generosity or the lack thereof is a value that shapes every interaction. It flows out of a most basic way of seeing the world.
The word ‘generous’ is derived from a Latin root, “generosus” which described a person ‘of noble birth.’ Those who were born to wealth and privilege had an ideal of using their nobility to enrich others, to provide protection and help for those of lower status and those who were poor. The Greek culture, pre-Christian, lauded generosity as a prime virtue. Aristotle taught that generosity was not indiscriminate giving to any and all, but rather giving as an investment made for the highest good of others.
Generosity of spirit will be a Christian characteristic because that is a reflection of God’s own heart. He loved us when we were ‘unlovely.’ He saved us when we were going our own way. His love took the initiative for the redemption of the world through Christ Jesus. Generosity is one of the visible proofs of spiritual transformation, a result of being loved and therefore, loving. John says that ‘we love because He (God) loved us first.’
He continues with this practical connection- "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, (compassion) how can the love of God be in him?" (1 John 3:16-17, NIV) James is equally clear: "Pure and lasting religion in the sight of God our Father means that we must care for orphans and widows in their troubles, and refuse to let the world corrupt us." (James 1:27, NLT) There were no social welfare programs when the New Testament was written. Early Christians, often impoverished themselves, adopted orphans and took widows into their homes, because they knew Jesus’ way was one of loving generosity.
Generosity goes way beyond charity, far beyond a gift of
money. Generosity includes forgiveness, being
an advocate for the broken, extending protection to the weak, showing
hospitality to the forgotten, being kind to those who are not. Do you support
charitable work and your local church with joy because you are able to
participate in the work of the Lord?
The pithy wisdom of Proverbs teaches us that generosity is circular, coming back to the one who gives. "It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy, but those who are stingy will lose everything. The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. People curse those who hold their grain for higher prices, but they bless the one who sells to them in their time of need." (Proverbs 11:24-26, NLT)
Do you want to be a person who freely gives of himself, who forgives, who is accepting and kind? Start with God’s love for you! Meditate on the fact that God has given you peace, salvation, and the promise of eternal life. When the security of faith wraps the human heart in peace, generosity will follow.
The word from the Word states God’s principle. Think about it. What has God invested in you? Now, will you invest it in others?
"Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
As the Scriptures say, “Godly people give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will never be forgotten.” For God is the one who gives seed to the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will give you many opportunities to do good, and he will produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will break out in thanksgiving to God." (2 Corinthians 9:6-11, NLT)
Now, who needs a generous investment from you today?
(Video of this blog at this link)
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Out in the highways and byways of life
Many are weary and sad
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife
Making the sorrowing glad
Make me a blessing make me a blessing
Out of my life may Jesus shine
Make me a blessing O Savior I pray
Make me a blessing to someone today
Tell the sweet story of Christ and His love
Tell of His pow'r to forgive
Others will trust Him if only you prove
True ev’ry moment you live
Give as 'twas given to you in your need
Love as the Master loved you
Be to the helpless a helper indeed
Unto your mission be true
George S. Schuler | Ira Bishop Wilson
Words: Public Domain
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