Becoming More Like Jesus: Generosity預覽

anHow Silence Cultivates a Heart of Generosity

Yesterday, we explored the connection between practicing solitude and cultivating a heart of generosity. In the quiet place alone with Jesus, seeds of compassion, empathy, and gratitude are planted in our hearts. As time passes, these seeds mature into the outward expression of generosity.

Today, we will consider a second practice from the way of Jesus that can help us cultivate a heart of generosity: Silence.

At first glance, it may be difficult for our minds to draw any logical relationship between silence and generosity. How does turning down the noise of life so that we might sit silent in the presence of Jesus foster generosity? Why is silence, which so many people avoid at all costs, central to becoming the kind of person who is known for generosity?

Silence gives way to a generous heart through the principle of indirection. When we practice silence, we offer God an act of surrender, a sacrifice within our willpower that creates space for Him to do in us what only He can do. Only God can soften our selfish, stingy hearts, transforming them through the power of the Holy Spirit.

We live in a world largely void of genuine encouragement. Instead, division, accusation, and words that cut deep into the soul have become the norm in today's culture. Tragically, many people go days, even weeks, without ever receiving a word of encouragement from a pure heart without any strings attached. This should not be.

Through the practice of silence, God creates the necessary time and space for you and me to exchange our hurtful, biting words often born out of a critical and judgmental spirit for a generous helping of words that offer light and love, bringing encouragement to even the darkest soul.

Psalms 119:130 says, "The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple."

Proverbs 10:11 declares, "The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence."

Follower of Jesus, today, begin to carve out small pockets of silence as you move throughout your day. As you do, bring the thoughts and feelings that shape the words rolling around in your mind into the transforming presence of Jesus. Let Him fill your mouth with the words of life so that you might go out into a dark world, free to give generously to others the encouragement they so desperately need.