Being Like Him - a 40 Day Lenten Devotionalনমুনা

Generosity

Jesus said, “Freely you have received; freely give.” (Matt. 10:8). The context of these words was Jesus sending his disciples to the lost sheep of Israel with words that would encourage them to exercise the authority that Jesus had given to them. The Godhead family gave us their life-giving spirit when they created us and this is the very reason for our existence. They also gave themselves by sending us Jesus, as an atonement for our sins. Without withholding anything they have given everything to demonstrate their love to human beings. We are in every way indebted to God alone.

We, human beings, are so calculative when we have to give to God and others. We often think what we gain is what we have deserved rightfully! When the people of Israel were about to take the land which God was providing for them, he warned them of a time, when they would think it was because of their own power and strength that they got their wealth and possessions (Deut.8: 17,18).

When we are intentionally aware of Him as our provider and when He is our possession, giving from what we receive would be a delight. However, our struggle mainly arises when our possessions began to possess us more than Jesus. Unless Christ is our ultimate treasure and possession, every other possession is always secondary.

I’m reminded of the day when the Lord asked me to step out for God’s work. I had nothing to take with me to the seminary except Rs 700/ (Approx. 10 USD). I had no pre-knowledge as to where the money would come from for the following month. Understanding the financial constraints at home, I left home to avoid burdening my family. I had literally opened up my purse to the heavens asking God to fill it. On several occasions, God has answered my prayers through unexpected friends and even strangers. One day God had specifically spoken to a friend of mine to support me regularly. This happened much before the days of the internet and I still do not know how he located my postal address. His faithful contribution met my needs and beyond, and it even helped me support my sister’s hostel fee for about 4 years.

I remind myself very often of my small beginning which encourages me to give. I can boldly say all that I have so far is what God has provided and I cannot claim any of it as my own. But has that made me generous? Being like God in generosity is to give the measure we receive from Him. Jesus appreciated the 2-cent offering of the poor widow. He counted her offering of more worth than the others who had given.

This is because the way God measures generosity is not by how much we give rather by what we hold back. How generous are we with our time, love, compassion and money? Can we imagine our salvation from God in measured portions? Let us pray that God would make us like him in our giving.

Prayer

Lord, I confess I have been ungenerous with my time, treasure and talent. I have not understood that everything I enjoy, including my life, is a gift. Help me to give more freely with the measure of that I have received. In Jesus name, Amen.