A Generous Life

“Be generous on every occasion.” 2 Corinthians 9:11 NIV.

Generosity is in the magnitude of your sacrifice more than the measure of your gift.

My thoughts and comments today are about “a generous life.”

Generosity is a lifestyle, not an occasional benevolence. I have observed that generous people are happier than individuals inclined more to self-interest. Generosity is expressed in much more practical ways than merely money and material things. Generosity encompasses one’s attitudes toward others, communications to and about them, and benevolent actions on their behalf. Generosity is your practical benevolence offered to others, not earned by them.

Today’s culture proposes a false narrative that, “Having is the way to happiness.” Don’t believe it. The Bible principle is; “Giving is the path to happiness.” Solomon affirmed this truth; “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:24-25 NIV. When generous, you become both benefactor and beneficiary. Read Luke 6:37-38 NIV. The good you do comes back to you; release is the key to increase.

God Himself – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – initiates the pattern for a generous life. “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, Whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.” Titus 3:4-6 NIV. Salvation is the most charitable expression of generosity ever given and a sacrificial model of the grace which is to be expressed through the lives of those who have received such favor. “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Romans 8:32. And Jesus stressed the practical, spiritual obligation of such holy benevolence in His words, “Freely you have received, freely also give.” Matthew 10:8.

Giving is the primary pathway to joy and satisfaction. The Bible is clear; “The Lord Jesus Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35 NIV. Jesus’ words rest in stark contrast to our natural tendencies. People tend to gather, store, and hoard. Strangely, the more possessions individuals seem to have, the stronger their reluctance to give much, if any of it, away. In contrast, God’s undeserved liberality is the basis for your unreserved benevolence. “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” Read 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 NIV. When is generosity appropriate? The Bible’s answer is simple, “On every occasion.”

Generosity is a lifestyle, not an occasional benevolence. David, beloved King and Psalmist, recognized the essence of generosity, “Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand.” 1 Chronicles 29:14 NIV. A generous life includes much more than what material things you have and give, and is best expressed through regard for others, conversations to and about others, kindnesses shown, attitudes, behavior, availability, and your time or practical assistance shared with others. Munificence abides in your heart before it abounds in your everyday life. Read 1 Timothy 6:18-19 NLT.

Today, my prayer for you is that you discover the joy of sharing the lavish grace of God with others.