7 Resolutions for Lifeናሙና

RESOLUTION #6: A generous heart

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it". (Psalms 24:1)

Something we forget throughout life is: nothing we have is ours; everything that exists is from God. When we focus only on our life (our dignity, our honesty, our property, our relationship with God, our. . ., our. . .), we stop being generous to others and start living centered on “belly button." However, when we understand that everything is His, we act with generosity.

Once a friend whom I greatly admire for his generosity told me the following sentence: "generosity is irrational." This statement makes perfect sense! When we rationalize too much what we have and are, we don't give ourselves to others. His statement also reminded me of Christ and what he did for us: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) We didn’t deserve a life with God because of our sins; however, He overcame reason and demonstrated His love by dying on the cross. Because of this, today we can enjoy His generosity that has given us a relationship with Him.

We must be generous to each other, because when we do not act with generosity, we steal what is rightfully from God. Remember that being generous is not only giving money to someone, but also giving attention, time, honor, gifts, property, etc.

How much of your time have you given someone, offering them attention to listen, talk, laugh, have fun? How much of your money do you share with those in need? Or, which is your attitude, even with the wealthy, to whom you can give a treat? How much do you share from your house, car, food to bless others? How many gifts have you exercised in order to serve others?

May our mind and heart be more connected to others than to our own “belly button."

Prayer: "Father, forgive me for being petty with what I receive from your hands. Help me to recognize your abundant grace over my life and to desire to act in the same way with my neighbor. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”