by Dr. Charles Stanley
Friday September 23, 2005
The Godly Quality of Generosity
As a child, I lived with my mother in a single-room home. She made just enough money for food, clothing, and rent. Most Saturdays, another boy came to the door and asked, "Do y'all have anything to eat?" I'd look in the icebox and see perhaps a piece of fruit or a few eggs and little bacon, and not much else. But my mother always found some food for that boy.
Generosity is an attitude of sharing gladly whatever we might have, regardless of wealth. Scripture reveals liberality is an attribute of God. (Deuteronomy 28:12, Ephesians 3:20) And as part of His transformative plan for believers, the Father desires that we develop a generous spirit.
A bighearted approach to our time and material goods begins by giving ourselves to God. When we accept that He owns everything, we can hold our small share with an open hand. But the choice to nurture generosity is based on our trust. Instead of adding figures to see what little amount we might squeeze out for charity, Christians give sacrificially by faith. Hebrews
Some Believers choose selfishness and rebellion, but God promised a form of poverty—whether financial, emotional, or spiritual—to those who do. Instead, make a decision today to cultivate a generous spirit for the Lord.
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