Are You Generous?

Generosity comes easy for some, but is difficult for others. I can think of three reasons why a person would be generous. One, they hope to give thinking they may get something in return. Two, they give out of duty because they know it is the right thing to do. Three, they give out of thanksgiving to the Lord because of what He has given them. This kind of giver understands the gospel message. Christ died for them and has forgiven their sin, and now walk in the mercy and grace of the Lord. Because the Lord has been merciful to them, they show mercy to others. They also know that all they have belongs to the Lord. It is His to give away.

We have some close friends who are givers of the third category I described. They are consistently generous with their money, time, and material things. They are overjoyed to be able to help and serve others with the blessings the Lord has given to them. Consequently, the Lord continues to bless them financially even in an economy where many are struggling. They don't take that lightly. They thank the Lord every day for His generosity to them.

Proverbs: 22, 9 says "He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor." Paul tells the Corinthians, ".....He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver"(2 Corinthians 9:6.7).

When we give cheerfully, we are blessed. Not that we necessarily receive monetary things in return, but we are filled with joy. That is the blessing.

Let's examine our hearts and see which of the three categories we would place ourselves. May the Lord in His mercy help us remember all He has freely given to us in Christ, so that we may freely give what is His to give to others.