Living Generously

“You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” (II Corinthians 9:11, ESV)

Just a few short verses in Acts 9 tell us the story of Tabitha. Most of us know her as Dorcas. This faithful disciple in the church at Joppa became ill and died. Devastated, the church sent for Peter to come pray, and God miraculously restored her to life.

But who was Dorcas? The Bible offers no details of her personal life. We do know she was dearly loved by her church friends. When Peter arrived in Joppa, he had been immediately surrounded by grieving widows who showed him the many garments Dorcas had made for them. Had she also been a widow and understood their struggles? We don’t know. The Bible only tells us is that she was “full of good works and charitable deeds.” It is evident that Dorcas lived life generously.

LIVING GENEROUSLY

What does it mean to live generously? Is it only about giving money? Or is there more? Vocabulary.com describes generosity this way:

“Generosity is a quality that’s a lot like unselfishness. Someone who shows generosity is happy to give time, money, food, or kindness to people in need.”

GOD’S GENEROSITY

Our understanding of generosity begins when we acknowledge God’s generosity toward us. Ephesians 1:3 tells us that we have been blessed “in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (ESV). Our generous God also “richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (I Timothy 6:17, ESV).

Because we have been greatly blessed by the Lord’s generosity, we should follow His example by blessing others. Here are several ways we can live generously.

Be generous with words. We bless others when we offer words that build up, edify, and encourage. Often, we fail to recognize the heavy burdens others carry. Our kind words will lift them up and brighten their day. (Read I Thessalonians 5:11.)

Be generous with time. God has entrusted each of us with talents and abilities that will bless others. It may be by mentoring a new convert, running an errand for a shut-in, or tutoring a child struggling in school. The time we spend helping others will make a difference in their life.

Be generous with kindness. We live in a world where many battle loneliness. Just holding a brief face-to-face conversation with someone will show that we see them and care. When we ask, “How did your week go” or “Got any fun plans for the weekend,” they will feel visible and valued.

Be generous with money. Often those with limited means are more generous than those with greater resources. The poor widow Jesus observed in the Temple had just two small coins, but the amount wasn’t as important as the attitude. She gave sacrificially while others gave to be seen. (Read Mark 12:41-44.)

Be generous with forgiveness and mercy. When Joseph’s brothers, who had sold him into Egyptian slavery, stood before him, he generously extended mercy and forgiveness. (Read Genesis 45.) The Lord has graciously extended His mercy and forgiveness to us, so why would we withhold them from others?

“He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5, ESV)

God loves seeing us live generously with our hands opened wide to give. Living generously makes for a happy life.

“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” (Hebrews 13:16, ESV)

Devotion by Mary Loudermilk