The devil tends to whisper to us that generosity means a huge sacrifice, or giving up the “good life,” but this is not what God has taught us! God promises rewards and treasures in heaven for those are generous on Earth. Not only does God promise us this, but he also warns us over the power that selfishness has in our hearts and souls.
Matthew 6:19-21 says, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
It was a hard thing to realize that everything we are given is a blessing from God and
remains His even though it is in our possession. We own nothing; it is still the resources of God and we are simply entrusted to use it for His will and glory. When we have the opportunity to share or give away what we have been blessed with, it should be a first reaction yet we hold onto those lies the devil continues to spread in our hearts. Luke 14:14 states, “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Generosity is not about you or me, it is about the One who wishes all His children to share in His blessings.
Giving is not purely financial either; we should be generous with our time, listening
skills, exhortations, food and nourishments, mentorships, service, and so much more! As the body of Christ, we are a unified people; we belong to one another (Romans 12:5) and therefore our blessings should joyfully be used to support each other! Deuteronomy 15:7-8 says, “If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward them. Rather, be openhanded and freely lend them whatever they need.” If we are supposed to be brokenhearted for what God is brokenhearted for, and God is deeply brokenhearted for the needy and unwell, then we should be quick in obedience to share in the blessings of the Lord. God has commanded His people over and over to care for others, whether it be poor spiritually or in physicality.
Therefore, I urge you to pray and seek how you can be more generous with your time,
skills, resources, and finances. Look for overseas missionaries to support as an extension of
yourself to the nations. Look for those hurting in your neighborhood or community; meet them where they are at just as Jesus has done for you and me. Finally, I will leave you with one of my favorite verses to ponder and prayer over as you seek more opportunities to give in joy to those around you as that is the truth “good life”.
“Blessed are those who have regard for the weak; the Lord delivers them in times of
trouble. The Lord protects and preserves them— they are counted among the blessed in
the land— he does not give them over to the desire of their foes. The Lord sustains them
on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.” (Psalm 41: 1-3)
– Paige Bronander, Ten2 2020 Participant & Storyteller