“Give and it will be given to you: good measure . . and running over” Luke 6:38 NKJV
“Generosity flows from the place you allow in your heart and life for God and others.”
My thoughts and comments today are about “living generously.”
There are some things that are immutable laws of life; they are just the way life works best. God has established them and if you follow them your life works best. The Law of generosity – or reciprocation – is one of those. “Generous people prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 NLT. Ultimately your lifestyle chooses what you receive.
Usually, when speaking of generosity, people think first of money. That is not where generosity begins. That may be, and should be, its eventual expression but is not its origin. To be blessed as God promises, giving must first begin in your heart. A generosity of spirit is what God looks for, and to find that He looks into your heart. The Apostle Paul wrote, “I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well.” 2 Corinthians 12:15 NIV.
The life that God blesses abundantly springs from living generously. “Instruct them . . to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future.” 1 Timothy 6:18-19.
The greatest generosity that I have witnessed did not come from people who had a lot, but from people who gave a lot from the little they had. My friend, Ruth, was a retired English teacher. She suffered a stroke and lived the remainder of her years in a nursing home. For many years and ignoring my protests, she faithfully sent a few dollars from her meager monthly check, “for the book you will write.” Her generous confidence in me across the years contributes to my writing this devotional each day.
Money might be scarce to you, but you have an unlimited supply of kind and thankful words, and a myriad of opportunities to bless and encourage others with practical assistance and appreciation. Do you appreciate being thanked for your kindness, applauded for your accomplishments, and helped with your responsibilities? Life is simple: you get what you give! “He who is generous will be blessed.” Proverbs 22:9.
Generously appreciate every kindness shown you by others, and express that warmly. Applaud the achievements of others; be their biggest cheerleader sincerely. When you see a place you can help, lend a hand willingly not waiting to be asked. “Good people will be generous to others and will be blessed for all they do.” Isaiah 32:8 NLT.
I have observed that people who have a generous heart with their family, friends, and others are the ones who are most liberal and consistent in their giving to God. When you generously give the every day things that cost you little yet assure you happiness and friendship, you will more easily make the needed sacrifices in the very real area of giving financially, which is the path to God’s blessing and prosperity. “Give and it will be given to you: good measure . . running over” Luke 6:38 NKJV. Generosity flows from the place you allow in your heart for God and others.
My prayer for you today is that you spend yourself extravagantly to the glory God and blessing of others.