Do you consider yourself to be a generous person? We all know the verses “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (II Corinthians 9:6-7). The opposite of grudgingly is generously. The Cambridge Dictionary defines generous as “willing to give money, help, kindness, etc. . especially more than is usual or expected.” So, are you a generous person?
Are you generous with your money? Do you put something in the collection plate each Sunday? Paul wrote the church at Corinth, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come” (I Corinthians 16:2). There are so many opportunities to do good. Do you give to those who are in need?
Are you generous with your time? Do you take the time to visit those who are shut-in due to sickness or the aging process? Do you use your talents – whether they be baking, sewing, wood carving – no matter what you are able to do, do you generously share what you have? After the day of Pentecost when the church was established, “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need” (Acts 2:44-45). The early church generously shared whatever they had to help each other.
You know, on Judgment Day, we won’t be judged by how much we’ve given – but on how much we’ve kept. Think about it. Simply blessed, Courtney