GENEROSITY
God is generous, and the Bible is full of examples of people, motivated by his goodness, who emulate this. King David poured out gifts from the national treasury and then from his personal reserves. A poor widow gave everything she had. A woman prepared a room for a traveling prophet. A group of poor Macedonians gave more than they dreamed they could.
Giving is a grace from God. He empowers us to give, fills us with joy when we do, and then often replenishes our supplies, so we can give more (2 Corinthians 9).
Let’s look at some of the biblical examples and see what we can learn from them.
1. Dorcas’ acts of charity (Acts 9:36-42)
In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died… All the widows stood by [Peter] weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made while she was with them.
Dorcas, also known as Tabitha, was known for her charitable works. She helped the poor in whatever ways she was able. She gave her talent and time, making clothes for the needy.
What to do: Use your time and talents to help those in need, whether it’s sewing clothes, cooking, fixing vehicles, or any other skill you have.
2. The widow of Zarephath’s trust (1 Kings 17:7-16)
She replied, “I don’t have any bread – only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it – and die.”
Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’”
She went away did as Elijah had told her.
The Lord told Elijah to find this widow in Zarephath; she would provide for him. But when Elijah found her, the woman didn’t even have enough food for her son and herself to survive. Still, she had faith, and gave what the only things she had left. And the Lord filled her jars of flour and oil, ensuring they were never empty.
What to do: In all circumstances, Christian generosity is a response to faith. There will always be a reason, an excuse, not to give. This widow certainly had a good one. She and her son were starving to death. But she had gave anyway. Do not let your excuses keep you from the joy and blessings that come from giving.
3. The Poor Window’s generosity (Mark 12:41-44)
“Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.”
This scripture teaches us how the poor window gave out of are Love for God, she gave with all are heart, knowing that even a small amount will make a difference to help in running of the Temple of God.
In the passage Jesus tells every one that most of the givers gave out of their abundance meaning if they did not have enough they would not had given. When giving, we need to give weather we have enough or not, it should be coming from our heart not because of abundance.
What to do: Give for the work of God to continue, a lot of people are suffering they don’t have even a decent meal, whilst some people through food in bins every day. Some people don’t have cloths, some have no shelter. We must learn to give and help others.
4. Abraham’s hospitality (Genesis 18:1-8)
Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.
He said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way.
Abraham hurried to welcome three strangers and showed them great hospitality, asking Sarah to bake bread and slaughtering a valuable calf for their meal. What he did not know at the time was that he was entertaining angels (Hebrews 13:2).
What to do: Open your home and heart to others, even when you feel inconvenienced. Welcome and care for people who visit you, making them feel valued and loved. You never know when you might be entertaining angels, too.
5. The Macedonian church’s generosity (2 Corinthians 8:2-5)
In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people.
Despite their own poverty, the Macedonian church was remarkably generous in supporting others, and God miraculously made them more able to give than they’d expected.
What to do: Give when you have plenty as well as when you don’t. Don’t wait to be more generous when you have the more, allow giving to others to be a constant privilege, a rich part of your life, no matter your circumstances.
6. The Shunammite woman’s service to God’s messenger (2 Kings 4:8-37)
One day Elisha went on to Shunem, where a wealthy woman lived, who urged him to eat some food. So whenever he passed that way, he would turn in there to eat food. And she said to her husband, “Behold now, I know that this is a holy man of God who is continually passing our way. Let us make a small room on the roof with walls and put there for him a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, so that whenever he comes to us, he can go in there.”
This Shunammite woman didn’t just welcome and care for Elisha once or twice; she continually gave to him, even going so far as to build a room just for him.
What to do: Revolutionize the way you give by framing your giving to people as a gift offered to God. Make plans to regularly host those who serve God and set apart a space in your home for these holy visitors.
7. A little boy’s lunch (John 6:5-13)
“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?”
Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
Jesus accepted a young boy’s humble lunch of five barley loaves and two fish and performed the miracle of multiplying it to feed 5,000 people. On this day, a child in the crowd had more faith than Jesus’ own disciples. The Scripture doesn’t mention any concern about his gift not being enough. He just gave what little he had, and Jesus made it enough for a multitude.
What to do: Be willing to share what you have, even if it seems insignificant, knowing that God is a multiplier of gifts. And your willingness to share your resources, talents, or time just might lead to unexpected blessings you would never even imagine.
By Evangelist Kapanza Alfred Emmanuel