Live With Generosity

 GENEROSITY

Today we are reflecting on what it means to live with generosity. The Bible tells us:

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. 

Proverbs 11:25

Many people feel like they live in a time of scarcity and survival and probably wonder how they could possibly share with others.

I grew up in a family of 12 kids and we didn’t have much but it’s amazing how we were able to share with others over and over again.  Generosity has a lot to do with a family/community perspective rather than a self-centered one whose main concern is me and my needs.

Many of us have lived many seasons in a dysfunctional, self-centered lifestyle.  We seldom thought of God let alone desired to know Him.  We were focused on ourselves and how we might fulfill our need of the moment. 

As followers of Jesus we are now learning to live in a way that is both rewarding for us and which creates a healthy environment for those around us.  The lifestyle we are being taught is one of generous giving. 

Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.

Psalm 112:5

If we feel we are lacking in generosity and unable to care for others, we need to ask God to fill us up with His kindness and love.  God has promised to meet all our needs, but we cannot fill up with what God gives and then choose not to give out to others. 

Lord Jesus, Thank you for demonstrating the true heart of a generous person for us.  Thank you for taking on the humble position of a human and for being obedient to death, even death on a cross so we could receive forgiveness, healing, and blessing. 

Help us now to be generous and look out for the interest of others rather than seeking after and tending only to our own interest.  

We ask You to bless us so we can be a blessing to others.  Thank You for enriching us in every way so that we can be generous on every occasion.  Amen

It’s worth reflecting today on why we might feel it’s difficult to be generous and ask God to help us change our self-absorbed ways.  We definitely will have a better day if we do.