Generous

Generous

Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.

“MOM, HOW MUCH was on that check? She started crying when she opened it up!” Jonny asked, tumbling into the driver’s side rear seat of the car.

“This is why we have a family giving fund.” I deflected the question about specific amounts, focusing instead on the what and why. “Dad and I intentionally set aside money into a designated account, and we ask God to tell us how to spend it,” I said, reaching for my seat belt and turning the car back on. “As soon as she told me about wishing she could help those families with back-to-school expenses, we were able to help. That money was already in the account, ready to give out. That’s the thing about generosity—if we prepare ahead of time, we can immediately respond when God sends someone across our path. Isn’t it fun to see how God uses his money?”

For some, generosity is a dirty word. We are constantly faced with requests to donate resources: time, talent, and treasure for all kinds of needs. It is tempting to grow weary and jaded, uncertain who will use the money wisest and wondering always if we are being hoaxed.

We’ve encountered a refreshingly rebooted generosity with our family giving fund. It’s my job to obey God’s nudge—giving his money cheerfully and immediately when asked. And while I do my best to be a good steward of his money, I leave it between God and the recipients as to how that money is spent. They are accountable to God for the money he places in their hands, not me. And while it sounds cliché to say that we can never outgive God, it is truth. God has repaid our generosity a thousandfold, plus more. My family has been provided for in ways that support us emotionally, spiritually, and monetarily that defy belief, even as we have provided for others.

Lord, may we set aside resources so that we can be used by you to meet needs around us. Amen.

-Julie

One Good Step: Establish a giving fund using your automatic payroll deduction into an account with God’s name on it. Ask God how to use those funds, and be prepared to be blessed beyond measure in return.