A lifestyle of generosity

Often, it’s not a lack of resources that holds people back from generosity, but a lack of understanding of what generosity really is. 

Generosity, the ability to go above and beyond, goes beyond money to encompass many other areas of our lives and includes our time, talent and treasures.

Generosity: A matter of the heart

First and foremost, generosity is a disposition of the heart that leads to acts of kindness and service. Authentic generosity reflects God’s nature. In John 3:16 we learn that God’s love for his world compelled him to give His one and only son. Apostle Paul, using the example of the Macedonian church, reminds us that generosity is an expression of God’s grace (2 Corinthians 8:1 – 6). Paul later emphasises that generosity brings thanksgiving, praise and glory to God (2 Cor. 9:11 -15). Generosity for a Christian is primarily a reflection of who God is and a response to how he calls us to live.

How should we as believers respond to God’s invitation to live generously?

The Shunammite woman: Generosity without agenda

In 2 Kings 4:8-13, we meet a wealthy woman from Shunem who showed radical hospitality to the prophet Elisha - not to get something from him, but simply to bless him. Her story reminds us that true generosity expects nothing in return and flows from a heart aligned with God’s purposes.

Rather than asking for support from Elisha, this family simply offered him a meal after a tiring journey. The Shunammite woman persuaded Elisha to eat and blatantly refused to take no for an answer! (v. 8a) The meal was very delicious and the atmosphere so cordial and hospitable, that Elisha became a regular guest at meal tables in this home. The woman, in consultation with her husband, went on to build and furnish a special room for Elisha.

Elisha was surprised to realise this family had no other motive except to serve God’s purpose and bless him; when Elisha asked what he could do in return for her, the woman was clear that she already had enough saying, “I have a home among my own people.”  We, too, can follow this couple’s generous example, looking out for opportunities to make a difference with their generosity, without being asked or expecting anything by return.

Living generously today

What might it look like for us to offer our ‘guest room’ - our resources, space, or time - to bless someone today? Is there a person, family, mission agency or good cause that could use your support? Small acts that can make a big difference might include a timely visit or gift, an offer to help in some way or provide support through wise counsel, encouragement and prayer. Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us in spotting opportunities where our intervention will make a difference.

Five practical steps to a generous lifestyle

Following these simple steps will help you as you seek to adopt a lifestyle of radical generosity:

1. Pray for a compassionate heart.
2. Budget time/money/resources for charitable causes.
3. Decide which cause(s) to support.
4. Support the cause(s) on a regular basis.
5. Invite your friends, family and network to follow these steps with you.