We serve a very generous God. He gave everything — his very best for us. Even while we were still sinners. Giving back to Him therefore should be our natural and joyful response. But what about the times when it isn’t?
The idea of generosity tends to spur thoughts of financial giving — tithing or donating money to ministries or individuals in need. Generosity towards God certainly includes those actions but is not limited to finances either. For many of us, the easiest act of generosity can be writing a check. It’s a lot harder to be generous with our time and talents especially when we are busy with a career or raising a family. But knowing who or how to serve can be elusive at times. Then there is the false notion that our acts of generosity have to be big, sacrificial or even painful. So many questions and barriers can surround the topic of generosity.
But recently through my own generosity journey, the Lord has been showing me that giving doesn’t have to be over-complicated and that it can in fact be a source of great joy. A few years ago, I sent a Christian Valentine’s card to an elderly woman from my church whom I adore. I simply wanted to let her know how much she meant to me. Her response to this act was beyond my expectations. She left a long voicemail message expressing how much she appreciated the card. In fact, recently she told me she still has that card sitting on her coffee table!
This past month, a co-worker lost her husband unexpectedly. When she returned to work, I gave her a big hug. She clung to me much longer than I expected and then looked me in the eye and smiled. She thanked me for attending her husband’s service and for the card I had sent with a prayer I had written for her. Now, every day, when we see each other for recess duty, she leans in for a hug, which I am happy to give.
Lastly, as a first-grade teacher’s aid, I often deal with children who are frustrated and upset. One little boy was struggling with his handwriting and was becoming discouraged and tearful. I knelt down beside him and asked him if we could pray. At first he said no, but I prayed anyway. I asked the Lord to show him how much he was loved by Jesus and to help him to do his work. I watched the boy relax, breathe and eventually smile. We were able to finish the work, and he walked away feeling confident that he really could do it.
These simple acts, by God’s grace, made an impact on those I was serving. I felt joy as I saw their response to my seemingly small actions, partly because I had no real expectation that they would make a difference. Through this, the Lord has reminded me that He is able to sovereignly connect people with a need to those who can fill that need on His behalf. Sometimes it may be a sum of money. But other times it could be a meal, a prayer, an errand or a word of encouragement. We should never discount the impact of these seemingly small acts of generosity – a gesture of kindness, a Spirit-led prayer or a hug. Our generous God is able to use our small offerings for His greater plans and purposes in the lives of those around us.
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