The Circle Of Generosity

WE DON’T NEED A BIG INCOME to be generous! Material possessions aren’t necessary either. Generosity is a mindset we form when we make conscious choices to share our resources with those who need assistance, support, or love. In responding to a need, we make a decision to help. When we make an impact through a generous act as small as sending a birthday card or as big as providing for a financial need, we create a ripple effect, a circle of generosity. One generous act can inspire more acts of generosity, and the circle widens.

My husband’s lifelong example taught our family the joy of generosity. I don’t remember witnessing generosity in action before I met Bob. My parents gave out of abundance, but I have learned that it’s possible to give when you don’t have excess—and have fun in the process. Our children watched their dad exhibit both wisdom and generosity with whatever resources God provided at the time. In 1991, he started an orphanage in the Philippines with a small inheritance, and through the years it has served as home to hundreds of children. A few years later, in Florida, he invited young men with varied issues to live rent-free in our modest detached apartment.

Bob’s “giving” verse is the first Scripture I ever put to a tune: “Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return” (Luke 6:38).

Each of our children widened the circle with his or her unique opportunities for generous acts. One of my favorite illustrations is from our missionary daughter and son-in-law, who lived in a dark place at the time. Thanksgiving was not, of course, celebrated in the country where they served, but it was a reminder to share God’s blessings with others.

Together with some other missionary families, they decided to minister to the many beggars in their city. The men borrowed a van and drove through the streets picking up people who were out begging, many of whom were crippled. While the men bathed the beggars and dressed them in new clothes, the women prepared food for a special meal.

One sweet side story is the concern of these homeless people for their friends. They told the men where to find every beggar in their city so our son-in-law and his friends could find anyone they had missed the first time.

After all the guests were clean and full, they were given a Bible and invited to take part in the Thanksgiving service with the missionary families. Many came to know Jesus. “Beggars Baptist Church” is the nickname for the church that started that day and still exists.

The generosity that inspired this story resulted from gratitude. As the missionary families focused on their many blessings that Thanksgiving morning, they were inspired to share their blessings with the less fortunate. We don’t need to wait for Thanksgiving. Thank the Lord now for your blessings! Ask Him to make you alert to needs that you can meet by sharing what God has given you.

Maybe you’re already being generous with the resources God has provided. As you continue to share your blessings, you’ll have the promise of eternal dividends in return. Paul writes in Philippians 4:19, “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

Or you may be more like me—naturally cautious and frugal. We can learn to give as the biblical perspective that God supplies enough for our needs—and enough to share—transforms us from selfish to generous. When we know firsthand the generosity of our God, we can, with real conviction, influence others to join the circle of generosity.

REFLECTION

Can you identify a few needs you think God might be calling you to help meet by sharing what you have? For inspiration, read about the generosity of the Macedonians in 2 Corinthians 8–9, particularly in the following verses:

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

2 Corinthians 9:7-9, NLT