Living Generous in a Global Pandemic預覽

I started out with four lessons I intended to share with you that God was teaching me during this unprecedented time in our world. Who knew that the following phrases would become commonplace: “sheltering in place,” “social and/or physical distancing,” “keep at least six feet apart,” and “wear your mask when going outside”? Wow, our world has changed in only a few weeks. Well, I have only shared about one of those four lessons because there was so much I wanted to communicate about the topic of generosity. 

Being generous is a discipline that we should practice at all times, yes, even, and especially, in the hard times. It is much easier to give, help, and assist others when you are doing well. What does it hurt to give when you have plenty? But to give when you are struggling, or when you do not know how things are going to turn out for you, well, that is a different matter. That kind of generosity, giving out of need and not abundance, is very attractive to God.

Don’t let possessions possess you. Develop the practice and habit of being a giver and someone who blesses others. Practicing hoarding, stinginess, greed, and selfishness is no way to live life here on earth.

Unfortunately, I have found that the ones who give the least and are less generous are oftentimes the ones who are in the most need. I would ask the individual, the family, the church, or business that is always behind, never can get ahead, and always in need—how generous are you? There is a good probability that the answer would be “not very generous at all.” And it shows.

Trying to convince a person that he or she would be so much better off if they practiced generosity is like trying to tell a person how glorious it is to be converted and give one’s life to Christ. Unfortunately, some will never see it, because they do not have the faith that it takes to surrender their lives and their way of doing things to a greater principle in being generous and, moreover, to the Lord Himself in salvation.

In today’s biblical text, Solomon addresses the opposite of being generous. The last thing on the minds of those who are greedy for gain is blessing and helping others. Have you ever noticed that? It is painful to see because you know it will not turn out well for the person who is constantly trying to increase, even at the expense of others. This verse says this greedy mentality actually takes the life of the person who has this mindset. Being greedy robs us, whereas being generous replenishes us. How does that work? I really cannot explain it, but I have seen so many times how God abundantly blesses those who seek to be a generous blessing to others.

Tomorrow I will wrap up this week’s devotions on generosity with some practical pointers that I pray God uses to encourage you to be a person of generosity.

Prayer:

“God, for too long my giving has been nonexistent, and I am characterized by words like hoarding, stinginess, greed, and selfishness—this is no way to live life here on earth. Cleanse me, oh God, I pray. And Holy Spirit, I ask that You empower me to live in such a way that I seek to be a blessing more than trying to receive blessings. I know this is right; I just need Your help. Thank You Lord!”