Generosity is not simply a good habit, in the Christian life, it is a sign of a transformed heart. As followers of Christ, we are called to model the generosity of Christ towards us. But how do we cultivate a lifestyle of giving that goes beyond occasional acts of charity and becomes a natural expression of our faith?
In this blog, we will explore eight different ways that you can begin to make generosity and giving a consistent part of your walk as a follower of Christ!
1. Understanding God’s Generosity
Christians are called to emulate the character traits of their God. 1 John 2:6 says, “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” In his earthly life, Jesus exemplified a life of generosity. Stories such as feeding the five thousand, serving widows, providing a catch of fish to Peter, and healing the sick are a display of the generosity of God.
The finished work of the Lord Jesus on the cross is the greatest example of God’s generosity towards mankind. As followers of Jesus, it is required of us that we exemplify His generosity. When we recognize and reflect on the magnitude of the generosity that God has shown us in giving us His Son Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins, it transforms our view of giving. It will no longer be a religious obligation, but an expression of joy in the gospel.
2. Heart of Gratitude
Generosity flows from the heart, and cannot be drummed up from compulsion. In his second letter to the church in Corinth, Paul admonishes the church to give from their heart, not under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).
When we take the time to reflect on the ways in which the Lord has blessed us in our lives, specifically through the gospel, it allows us to grow in heartfelt generosity. A thankful heart is one that no longer views generosity as a burden but as an opportunity to bless others and honor God.
3. Shifting From Ownership to Stewardship
It is easy in American culture to adopt the mindset that everything you work for is earned from hard work, and therefore belongs to you. Oftentimes, a reason that people choose not to be generous is because they feel that their hard work doesn’t deserve to be in the hands of anyone else but themselves.
However, as Christians, it is important to recognize that we are not owners, but stewards. Scripture makes it clear that everything belongs to God (Deuteronomy 10:14). Therefore, nothing that we have (finances, material possessions, talents) belongs to us, but rather belongs to God. This perspective removes us from being able to adopt the American mindset that lacks generosity and instead pushes us to be faithful and generous stewards of the things that ultimately belong to God.
4. Small Steps of Faithfulness
Generosity is often measured in the grandness of what was given. Someone may be deemed more generous because they are able to give more. However, generosity does not always require grand gestures but can be done in small and consistent acts of giving.
In Mark 12:41-44 Jesus sheds light on this truth that generosity is done in small steps of faithfulness. In these verses, Jesus observes many people putting large amounts of money into the temple treasury. But a poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, worth only a few cents. In verses 43-44, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything- all she had to live on.”
Though the amount of her giving seemed insignificant, it came from a place of deep faith and sacrifice. If we are faithful in small acts of faithful generosity, we will grow into larger acts of generosity.
5. Trusting God’s Provision
An all too common reason that Christians do not give is a fear that their personal needs will not be met. However, the Scriptures remind us that God is faithful to provide for our needs. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” When Christians give, especially during times of uncertainty, they demonstrate a strong faith in God’s provision. Generosity not only benefits your own faith but strengthens the faith of those around you who see your trust in the Lord.
6. Living with Open Hands
Generosity requires an open hands mentality. It is nearly impossible to plan for opportunities to be generous. Rather, they come unexpectedly and require quick action. In His life, Jesus exemplified this ability to be open hands with opportunities to be generous.
In Matthew 9:18-26 Jesus’ willingness to have open hands is on display. While Jesus was teaching about fasting, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and asked him to come and heal his daughter who had just died. Instead of telling the leader that he was busy teaching, Jesus got up immediately to meet this need that the leader had. Furthermore, while he was going to the leader’s home a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years touched his cloak and asked for healing. Without hesitation, Jesus honored the woman’s faith and healed her sickness.
Living with open hands is about being aware of the needs around us and responding with compassion. Jesus Himself lived this way, constantly serving others and meeting their needs. We are called to do the same, using our resources to uplift those who are hurting, to serve the church, and to bring hope to a world in need.
7. Giving Beyond Finances
Financial giving is important, but generosity goes beyond our wallets. Generosity can be given through our time and talents, as well. For many young people, giving financially is a challenge. Therefore, seeking opportunities to be generous beyond finances is a way to continue exemplifying God’s generosity when financial resources are limited. Furthermore, Jesus did not simply show generosity by providing resources, but He was generous with his time and talents throughout His earthly ministry.
8. The Eternal Impact of Giving
Generosity in the Christian life does not only have an impact in the present time but will also have an eternal impact. Jesus taught in Matthew 25:31-46 that those who display generosity are not just serving a brother or sister, but they are also serving Him. Jesus says in Matthew 25:40, “The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.””
Our giving touches lives, changes hearts, and builds the Kingdom of God here on earth. What we give today, in faith, continues to bear fruit for eternity.
Conclusion
Developing a lifestyle of generosity is not about how much we have, but how much we are willing to give of ourselves. It’s a journey of trusting God, practicing gratitude, and living with open hands. As we grow in generosity, we reflect more of God’s heart to the world, becoming vessels of His love and provision. And in giving, we often find that we are the ones most blessed.
Let us, as Christians, strive to live lives marked by generosity, knowing that every act of kindness, no matter how small, brings us closer to the heart of Christ.
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