2022 - A greater Faith, Love and HopeSample

Generosity That Makes A Way

Devotion:

The way-making power of generosity is two-fold. When we, as believers, choose to be generous to the world around us, we see this power in action. The poor are cared for, people living in limitations find opportunity and resources, and those in lack see hope for their tomorrow restored. There is evidently power in being generous to the people in our world, yet another side of generosity is frequently overlooked.

There is a way-making power without, but there is also a way-making power within that is accompanied by a lifestyle of generosity. The reality is that no matter how much we think we can compartmentalise our lives into different sections, those different parts are much more closely integrated than we may realise. This is why the word of God speaks so often and so unapologetically on the subject of finance and money. God knows that withholding in this one area of our lives will usually lead to withholding in other areas. Being generous with our finances almost always leads us to be generous with our time for those around us and those who need it.

What money represents to us is our security and our desires (two things our hearts typically cling to). For this reason, a life of generosity in finance is generally the origin point of a life marked by generosity in all areas, such as the giving of our gifts and talents and even our speech to others and treatment towards them. It sets the tone for smaller-scale moments of obedience to God and for daily moments of giving of ourselves to a world that needs it.

This is the way-making power of generosity that can work within us, shaping us into people that are not inwardly focused but outwardly, not selfish people, but selfless. As a Christ-follower, I know which one I’d rather be.

Generosity not only makes way for the world around us to be blessed, but it also makes a way IN us where God can do a deep work in our lives, leaving us transformed more into His likeness every day. God delights in blessing His people, especially those who take it upon themselves to become a blessing to others.

Prayer:

Father, help me today and every day to choose generosity in all areas of life - with my finances, time, and even words of life and encouragement I speak over other people. Let this not be out of obligation or drudgery but help me approach the world around me with a posture that is ready to give, not withhold. Help me remember that when we refresh others, we are also refreshed. More importantly, let me live in constant remembrance of how freely you gave of your Son so that I may echo a radical life of generosity.