The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 NLT
You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 2 Corinthians 9:7 NLT
Generosity and gratitude – two of the most significant and widely treasured characteristics in every healthy culture. Living in generosity makes a grateful heart. A grateful heart creates a generous life.
I gave myself some reflection time last night, specifically asking myself what people in my life from my earliest recollections on bore the trademark of generosity. Who was marked by the brand of Jesus’ generosity and grace? Names and memories flooded me. Four things came to me as I reflected on these amazing people – many already with Jesus and hearing His “well done,” and many right now blessing the world with their generosity. First, these people were not connected by abundance and similar wealth. Some of the most generous were the least wealthy. Their connection was the heart attitude of selfless service. Second, these people were all grateful people. They believed they were so blessed they could and must share. Third, they were widely cheerful about it. In fact, they were excited to join in what God was doing. They didn’t brag on themselves. They just saw the opportunity to do good and they stepped into it, often sacrificially. And fourth, every “miracle,” every step forward in the building of the Kingdom of God in my community and around the world, every difference in my life and in the churches I have attended or pastored was somehow made possible as these generous people cooperated with God through their resources of time and money. I stand in awe and gratitude!
I want that to be my trademark too. I want it to be so clear that I live by Jesus-fueled gratitude and generosity that it is the testimony of my life. Don’t you want that? God promises our lives will find fulfillment, satisfaction, meaning, and refreshment we can find no other way. What we do will matter and will last beyond our lives here. Jesus said, “By this will all men know that you are my disciples, because you love one another.” It is this kind of sacrificial generosity and gratitude that shows our trademark of love to the world. We love with active generosity like our King.
- Jesus, help me have the gratitude to realize my privilege and responsibility, the wisdom to know what to do with it, and the courage to boldly and sacrificially do it. I know You will give me the unspeakable satisfaction and joy that accompanies this generosity.