Giving generously frees you from the bonds of materialism that trap many people. I believe the Lord wants all His children to be generous, just as He is. Human nature wants to keep what we have and not share it with anyone. No one must teach small children to be selfish. As people, we are born selfish and sinful.
The Lord begins to mold and shape us as we become people of faith. As this happens, we learn that letting go of things is good for us. People who keep everything for themselves turn inward, preventing them from becoming the person the Lord desires them to be. Selfishness stunts our spiritual growth.
Luke 12:15Then Jesus said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own. [1] The world may tell you that you are measured by what you own, but God measures things differently.
Generosity is a Window to Our Heart
Being generous says volumes about what is happening inside a person’s heart. As Jesus nears the end of His earthly ministry, a woman gives him a fantastic gift from her heart. Luke 14:3 Meanwhile, Jesus was in Bethany at the home of Simon, a man who had previously had leprosy. While he was eating, a woman came in with a beautiful alabaster jar of expensive perfume made from essence of nard. She broke open the jar and poured the perfume over his head. [2]
Later in this story, it tells us that this perfume was worth a year’s wages. This woman anoints Jesus out of thankfulness and appreciation. How is the Lord helping you grow in being generous? 2 Corinthians 9:7You 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.”[3]
Being Generous Changes Us
If material things hold you back in your relationship with the Lord, give some away and lighten your burden. We don’t think of wealth as a burden, but it can be if it takes our focus off the most crucial thing in life. 2 Corinthians 9:6Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop.”[4]
The Lord wants us to be great planters that sow into others. Think of the impact the Lord can make through you as He helps you to sow generously. The Lord has a way of multiplying the seed we sow because He is generous. When I think of generosity, I think of what Jesus did for us on the cross. We can’t repay Him for what He has done, but we can live a life that generously builds His Kingdom.
To hear more about giving generously, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/mark-jesus-anointed-at-bethany
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.