Generosity: willing to give without selfishness to share freely and liberally.
1 Timothy 6:18
“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
The generous woman planned how to present them as she unpacked them. How could she make her practical gift more special? Then an idea came to mind. When it comes time to deliver them I will fill the serving pieces with a delicious homemade meal. She remembered how she remarked to her husband of many years, “Someone may need them one day.” However he couldn’t understand why she purchased several sets of new dinnerware.
“We don’t need these. No one we know will need them”, he told her. “Not yet”, she replied, “but they will”. He sighed. Long ago he had given up trying to change her generous nature. It was one of the character traits he loved most about her. “So, where are you going to store all these boxes?” he asked her.
“Ill find a place for them honey, don’t you worry.” One day these dishes will really help someone. I don’t know when that will be, but God knows.” It seemed it wasn’t the time for her to give them up just yet. At times, she even planned ahead for the occasions that she could model Jesus’ love and generosity.
Whether we share our time, our money, our possessions, personalities, or talents, God wants us to give freely and liberally of ourselves. We can take time to listen to someone who is hurting, mentor a young person, listen to a caregiver, or write a check to meet a financial need. By doing so, we share God’s love.
Why should we want to do this? The reason is simple as God has given us so many wonderful blessings, and the most valuable of which is eternal life through Jesus Christ. Jesus unselfishly laid down his life to pay for the times we are selfish. He died for those times we are selfish or fail to show love to others.
His gifts of love, pardon (forgiveness) and new life are meant to be shared freely and liberally to others. We must not take them for granted. It is such a joy when those gifts are manifested through us onto others in honor of the privilege in knowing God's personally. His love, forgiveness, mercy and grace are not comparable.
My prayer: Heavenly Father, God Almighty help me to be more generous to others and not arrogant, self-seeking, or manipulating in my actions or thoughts towards them. Help me Lord Jesus to genuinely share Your love, forgiveness, mercy and grace even at times when I don’t want to. In Jesus’ name I pray this day, Amen.
