Living Generous in a Global PandemicÀpẹrẹ

I am really excited for those who have been following these devotions with us in this week. Why? I believe many lives are going to be changed for the better. You are going to discover how truly blessed it is in giving over receiving. Many will not get it, and I understand that. It is a totally different way of thinking and living. To deny yourself, be generous, and seek to bless others runs so counter-cultural. But, oh my, those who do get it will be so blessed. Do not take my word for it; take Jesus’ words for it. In Acts 20:35, Paul refers to his own hard work and then gives us this amazing quote from the Lord: “And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

I offer for consideration in your life these practical steps toward generosity which I believe will set you up to be blessed:

1. Humble yourself and ask God to help you be more generous. Change your attitude toward yourself and others. Don’t be so consumed with self-preservation. Jesus teaches us in the Gospels that in order to be great you have to serve. Mark 10:45 says: “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

2. Start small, then build and grow in being generous. For example, if you do not tithe, start by giving a percent of your income and go up from there. If you tip poorly, try increasing until you are generous. Start training your mind to give more instead of turning inward to what you can keep.

3. Develop the “and then some” mentality. I am not asking you to be unwise or to let people take advantage of you. If you do that, you are only hurting yourself and ultimately hurting the other person. I am saying add a little more praise and encouragement, and more financially. As my wife likes to say, “Let us do a little extra.” Raise your standard of giving more than your standard of living. (I believe it was Keith Green from whom I first heard this.)

4. Believe God. Trust that what He says in Proverbs 11:24-25, Luke 6:38, Acts 20:35 and 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 is the truth.

5. Embrace this maxim:  I am blessed to be a blessing. This really helps you have gratitude which is a key ingredient to being generous.

6. Practice generosity not only with your finances but also with your time, your compliments, and your approval. I would especially encourage parents to be very liberal in your affirmation to your children. Most parents don’t have a problem pointing out when their children mess up, but how many excel in praising their kids when they do well?

7. Start today. If you have some cash on you, be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and He will lead you to someone who could use it. Hint:  all college students need money! Speak a kind word to someone. Go ask a neighbor how you can help. Volunteer at church, a food bank, or a disaster relief ministry. Come on, you can do this! And as you do, something spectacular begins to happen—you are blessed.

Okay, I have saved one of the best quotes I could possibly share with you on this wonderful topic of generosity. It comes from a pastor friend of mine, Johnny Hunt, who said, “You do not have to be wealthy to be generous; you just have to be generous.” Drop the mic!

Generosity. Yes, I know that sounds kind of strange to address the subject of giving and blessing others when you are in a tight spot yourself. However, what a grand time to be generous since so many people are needing help.

I am praying for every person who reads these devotions that God would inspire you, give you faith to believe, and you would go and live a life of generosity.

Prayer:

“Lord Jesus, You are so right; it is more blessed to give than to receive. Everything I have in this life has come to me from You. I am so very blessed, and I thank You, Lord. I see clearly that I am blessed so that I can bless others. I am excited, Lord, and look forward to those You will put in my path today that I can help, support, and bless financially. Use me, Lord, today, I pray!”