Generosity?

What does it mean to be generous? That’s one of those questions you always assume you know the answer to.

If the shoe was on the other foot and I was the one being asked this question, my answer would be: someone who gives of their time and money. I suspect your answer would be fairly similar.

Take a quick look at the following definitions of generous:

    1. willing to give and share unstintingly
    2. not petty in character and mind
    3. more than adequate (http://www.audioenglish.net/dictionary/generous.htm)

The idea of someone being “willing to give and share unstintingly” along with being “more than adequate” is where most of us would line up in our understanding. Basic definition. Basic generosity.

There have been times in my life where I was more generous than others. There have been times when giving of my money was easier than giving of my time and vice versa.

2 Corinthians 9:6-25 is a classic text on generosity. God loves a cheerful giver.

Immediately following that phrase is verse 8 which says, And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Keep that verse in mind as you consider the other as of yet un-talked about definition from above: not petty in character and mind.

Are you having an “ouch” moment yet? Some of us are pretty petty at times. We are not as forgiving or as kind as we should be. Sometimes we are downright mean and hateful… and all that before someone runs roughshod over our likes or dislikes, habits or traditions… that’s when the real fireworks begin.

We need to rethink this idea of generosity. God’s generosity has brought grace beyond measure into our lives. As recipients of this liberality, we ought to become a people of generosity with our time and money–we should become an un-petty people of grace and understanding.

On second thought, maybe generous and graceful is what Jesus meant by turning the other cheek.

How generous are you?

Les, Jr.

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