the importance of generosity

We live in a me-centered, me-focused world where we are encouraged by our culture to ensure that the main person in our sphere is ourselves. To put ourselves first. To put others last. To keep for ourselves, rather than to give to others.

But a Biblical worldview is just the opposite. Generosity and putting others— rather than ourselves—first is important to God. And it takes but a moment to recall all of the many blessings He bestows on us each day, many of which we don’t even realize.

My sister, Becky, has always been generous. She’s one who would “give you the shirt off her back”. At present, she is caregiving for a couple family members while struggling with health issues herself. Being a caregiver is not easy under any circumstances. Yet Becky is generous with her time, her love, her patience, and her resources.

There are many ways we can be generous. Below are eight suggestions for ways we can be more giving towards others.

1.

Generous with time. Do we take time out of our busy schedule to spend it with those we love? To care for and do things for them? Do we take time to volunteer for worthy causes that make a difference for God’s Kingdom? Or do make ourselves our top priority and expect others to cater to us?

2.

Generous with possessions. Are we generous with what we own? If someone needs something, are we quick to offer it? Or do we hoard things for ourselves?

3.

Generous with kind words. Are we generous with kind words and encouragement? Are we gentle towards others in the way we speak to them? Or do we struggle with a critical or harsh nature and speak to others in a terse or hateful way?

4.

Generous with serving and helping others. Do we have a heart for serving others? Or do we constantly expect to be served?

5.

Generous with giving. Would we be considered a giver? Or a taker?

6.

Generous with compliments. Do we leave praise and give compliments for a job well done or when a service is rendered well? Or do we withhold compliments and instead only offer negative feedback?

7.

Generous with grace. Do we extend the grace to others that we ourselves have been shown in abundance by our Heavenly Father? Or are we impatient and unsympathetic and quick to find fault?

8.

Generous with forgiveness. Are we generous with forgiving others when they have wronged us or offended us? Do we forgive the way the Lord has forgiven us? Or do we hold onto grudges long after the offense?

Dear Lord, sometimes it’s a challenge to be generous. We sometimes allow ourselves to think only of ourselves and how things will benefit us. Help us to be more generous and to love others well with our compassion and benevolence. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.