Can you think of someone you know who is extremely generous? It seems like every time you're with them, they shower you with gifts, and acts of service. You are left in awe at their kindness, and the joy they seem to have in giving to others.
We don't all have the gift of generosity. God calls every one of His children to be generous, but it doesn't come easy to all of us. Honestly, I struggle with being generous to others. I don't find immediate joy in it. Maybe you struggle like I do, maybe you're the person mentioned above, or maybe you fall somewhere in the middle.
What is generosity, really? It's "showing a readiness to give more of something than what's strictly necessary or expected."
But maybe it goes deeper than that. True generosity should mean putting another person before yourself. It should require selflessness and sacrifice. It should be giving of your time, finances, resources or possessions in a way that you may feel an impact. True generosity might hurt.
If, for example, I have something that I never use, it holds no value to me, and I won't miss it when it's gone, did I give it away out of generosity? The person receiving the item may see it as a generous gift, but if I am honest, I can see that it didn't truly come from a heart of generosity. I'm happy to have one less thing sitting in my basement.
Now, we may reap the blessing of selfless giving and generosity right away, or we may not see reward until eternity. But God notices our sacrifices, and He is glorified when we give of ourselves and of anything that holds value to us. He gave His son for us! Our deepest level of generosity is only a glimpse at the heart of our God.
Maybe you view generosity differently than I do. But my prayer is that God's people would open their minds to a bigger mindset of what it means to be generous. That it can go far beyond holding a door open for a stranger. While that is absolutely a kind gesture, as Christians we are called to serve, to give, and to pour into others sacrificially. That means, beyond what's comfortable.
Sacrificial generosity will hurt. But God so richly blesses us when our hearts are willing, and when He sees us lay something down for the sake of another person. After all, that's what He did for us.
Lord, you give to us so abundantly. You meet our every need, and we thank you so much for all the ways you bless us with more than enough. Father, please give each of us hearts that desire to bring You glory. May we yearn to give, because You give. Prepare us to serve, because You served. Show us how to truly sacrifice, because You gave the ultimate sacrifice. May the world see our generosity, and experience You through it. You are the Potter and we are the clay. Please mold and shape us into something beautiful to be used by You, for this lost and hurting world.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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