Generosity  

Written by Cami Gerdes

What does it mean to be generous?

What does it look like to live your life generously?To live generously is a readiness to give more than what is expected or necessary. Generosity shows itself through acts both big and small, but a truly generous life is formed through surrender. Practicing generosity isn’t a suggestion but a requirement for a flourishing life in Jesus. To truly imitate Jesus we choose to live in open handed surrender, consenting to God's will and recognizing that all things belong to Him. To store one's treasure not in the things of this world, but in heavenly things and in heavenly ways. (Matt. 6:20) We learn best from the generous life of Jesus.

Scripture

Before beginning this practice take a moment to read the scripture below.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
Matthew 6:19-21

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Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.
Mark 12:41-44

Ways to practice Generosity

• Examine your life - where do you feel the most stingy with your resources? Money? Time? Material items?
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• Begin a conversation with the Holy Spirit and ask for any way in you that is greedy or not reflecting the sacrificial love of Christ to be revealed.
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• Start small by considering who you can give additional parts of yourself to daily or weekly
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• Give without expectation of return and give quietly - generosity lives and dies in the hidden places of your heart and life

Question

Return to these questions after doing the practice. Take your time thoughtfully answering each question. You may want to write down your answers, ponder them quietly or even talk about them with someone else.

1. Where do you feel most comfortable when there is excess?
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2. How do you reflect God’s love with the things you are in possession of?
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3. Where did you find joy in what you gave away in this practice?

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