Understanding Generosity

I’ve been the beneficiary of lots of generosity over the years. I have people who invested in me when I was a very young man. I’ve never forgotten those generous people. I remember trying to repay them only to be asked to pass the blessing on to others. Over the years, it’s been a great joy to be the one being generous. Jesus is quoted as saying: …“It more blessed to give than to receive”(Acts 20:35 NLT) I know that this statement is true because I’ve had the blessing of giving. I think it’s even more fun to given when the recipient doesn’t even know who you are. Generosity is a part of God’s DNA. ¹⁶ “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 NLT)

Paul writes to a slave owner Philemon who is also a brother in Christ. He opens the letter up with kindness and encouragement and a prayer that is complimentary. Check this out….

⁶ And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. (Philemon 1:6 NLT)

I believe that a generous heart comes out of a grateful heart. When I reflect on what my life would look like or who I’d be without the Lord, I am humbled and grateful. The longer I walk with the Lord, the more grateful I become. He loved me first. He loves me best. He loves me even when I’m unkind and unlovable. He loves me without strings attached. This great quote by Cicero is still “rattling around in my brain”: Gratitude is not only the greatest of the virtues, but the parent of all of the others.

I started keeping a Gratitude Journal recently and I’m adding to my growing list of things I’m thankful for. I’m starting my day with a grateful heart. My perspective on my struggles has changed since I’m grateful to begin each new day. The Lord has opened up my heart to see and experience more of Him because gratitude creates more space inside my heart for more virtues.

²² But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT)

I want to live the rest of my life here on earth with a heart that understands generosity. I want to cultivate an expansive depth of gratitude for all that the Lord is doing and has done in my life.

Pressing On!

Dwayne