May 28, 2023
The Generous Heart
When we are content, knowing that all we have is from God, then we have the privilege of giving it away. Sounds contradictory? Many great truths are paradoxes.
Generosity is not just about possessions or money. God gives us energy, muscles, expertise, and time. So much to pass on to others.
Debbie Macomber said that “You cannot have a perfect day without doing something for someone who can never repay you.”
Jesus said that when we do an act of kindness for another person – providing
food, clothing, drink, visiting the sick and imprisoned – it is like doing it for Him.
There is a saying that “you can’t outgive God.” So true, and this is how Jesus said it: “Give generously and generous gifts will be given back to you, shaken together to make room for more. Abundant gifts will pour out upon you with such an overflowing measure that it will run over the top! The measurement of your generosity becomes the measurement of your return.”
Luke 6:38 (The Passion Translation)
And when Paul wrote to the Corinthians he said this:
“Let giving flow from your heart, not from a sense of religious duty. Let is spring from the joy of giving – all because God loves hilarious* generosity.”
(2 Corinthians 6:7 The Passion Translation)
*Note here that the word “cheerful” is usually here, but the root meaning is “hilarious.” Love this!
When my mother was gradually losing her memory, she called me one day and said: “I cannot remember if I have given you anything lately. What would you like?”
And when she died, there was a sum of money designated to World Vision.
A giver she was, even after death!
Even as we give, God wants to purify our hearts. More on this next week...
