“They’re a generous person”
We usually consider this to be a good attribute about someone.
But what makes them “generous”?
Maybe they are giving of their time? Their money? Their food? Their home is open to all?
Have you thought you would like to be more generous?
Today, I’d like to look at what generosity looks like in our culture and how we can become more generous in practical ways.
Dictionary definition of Generosity
First, let’s look at what dictionary.com explains as “generous”.
Here are a couple of definitions:
1 – Adj. liberal in giving or sharing; unselfish: a generous gift.
2 – Adj. free from meanness or smallness of mind or character; magnanimous.
Generosity in the Bible
Giving of one’s own resources is arguably the main theme in the Bible – culminating in Jesus Christ giving up his own life for our sins.
But what does this theme look like for Christians and how can we live this out today?
1 John 3:17 – If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person?
Hebrews 13:16 – And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.
Luke 12:33 – “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it.
Acts 20:35 – And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
Deuteronomy 15:7-8 – “But if there are any poor Israelites in your towns when you arrive in the land the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hard-hearted or tightfisted toward them.
2 Corinthians 9:5-7 – So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly.
This is a very short list of verses about generosity. This theme is prevalent from the Old Testament through the New Testament.
While a lot of these verses specify giving to the poor, many speak to the value of sharing with those in need. That could be a neighbor, a child’s friend, a family member, etc.
Who do you know in your own life that is generous?
What makes them generous?
Thinking about the most generous person you know, what character traits or habits do they have that make them so?
Do you feel like you can call them up at any hour of the day? Have they provided practical needs or emotional comfort during a difficult time?
What about their life can you emulate?
Start to think about traits of this generous person that you can copy in your way.
Do they always offer food and drinks when you visit their house? What food and drinks can you keep on hand for visitors?
Do you want to be generous?
I would venture to say most people would say yes. I know I would like to be, but often get sidetracked with daily life and the problems that come with it!
At the end of the day, generosity is sacrificial love. That’s hard to carry out. You feel it whether it hits your wallet, your time, or your home.
What specific ways do you want to be generous?
Have you been thinking about volunteering at a local organization for a while, but are nervous about the new experience?
Do you know you could donate money to a charity, but are afraid of the effect on your bank account?
Proverbs 19:17 – If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord — and he will repay you!
Proverbs 22:9 – Blessed are those who are generous because they feed the poor.
What does generosity look like on a practical level?
What are little, everyday things you can start today?
Maybe it’s doing something for your spouse or a friend. Or, maybe it’s signing up for that volunteer position.
The Bible discusses giving our money to those in need. I talk about this more here.
But there are many other ways to be generous. Here are a few ideas:
- Providing snacks for committees or Bible meetings you’re a part of
- Making meals for a local organization
- Volunteering with a local service ministry
- Helping out a neighbor with yard work or housework
- Providing car rides to friends or family members
What gets in the way of being generous?
What has prevented you from pursuing generosity (or sacrificial love)?
- Do you already have too many commitments?
- Not thinking about it?
- Does it feel too hard?
- Seems too impractical?
Take time to identify these things and pray over them.
There will be seasons in your life when you can give more than at other times.
The theme of generosity in the Bible conveys a habit or characteristic of generosity, rather than just an exclusive action.
How do you take the first step?
1- Consider how you want to be generous
2 – Come up with a list of practical ways – even if it’s just 1 or 2
3 – Talk to a friend and share your thoughts
4 – Pray about it!
5 – Take action
