Embracing a lifestyle of real generosity is a challenge many Christians face daily. We are not always eager to share our hard-earned money with people who find themselves in dire financial or social need. We are often suspicious of the people who encourage us to give to others what we believe is ours, particularly if they live in foreign countries. As children of the living God, we are called to give to others if we can do so gladly, with a smile on our faces! A well-meaning gift leaves both the giver and the recipient in a cheerful mood.
As we read through the Bible, we discover our God to be both gracious and compassionate. As we choose to follow Him, He wants us to follow His example and be kind and open-hearted.
In Leviticus, God commanded the Israelites to be generous and merciful to each other. Take no usury or interest from him; but fear your God, that your brother may live with you. You shall not lend him your money for usury, nor lend him your food at a profit. (Leviticus 25:36-37). If we want to help people in need, we have to do it firstly by giving them the right attitude of our hearts, not our money. Should we give them money, we ought to do so without expecting a refund or interest.
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38). Generosity comes in many forms. For example, to withhold judgment, condemnation and unforgiveness is to act generously, and in God’s economy it is rewarded with the same kind of generosity—pressed down, shaken together and running over.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21). The challenge in this verse is that if we invest our resources in God’s Kingdom, our hearts will also be pulled in that direction. The key to living a life of generosity is having a heart that delights in the Lord. When we find our purpose and joy in conforming to Christ’s image, we shed the inclination to indulge in materialistic desires.
Many wealthy people are often expected to give lots of money for Kingdom work. May God give them discernment to give according to His will and may He protect them from exploitation. May God’s Kingdom come in our hearts today!
Let us Pray
Father, it is not easy for me to give away my money. I pray that You will help me to always give where there are people in need, without counting the cost.
Father, I repent of my greedy and wicked heart – everything I have belongs to You.
Father, I pray that You will show me to whom I must donate funds so that it will be within Your will and glorify only You.
Let me never forget that You have already rewarded me with Your presence and have given the greatest and most sacrificial gift: Your Son, Jesus Christ.
