Loving and Living Generously

Everyone has experienced generosity at some point and likely has extended to others, too. Maybe it was a kind lunch lady who gave you an extra cookie at school or a co-worker who spent spare time with you when you started a new job, helping you fully onboard and doing more than required. Or maybe you were in a situation where you dropped everything to be fully present with a friend in need.

Generous giving is more than just parting with our money. Jesus loved with abundance as He gave His life for you. A way for you to reflect Christ’s overflowing love is to go above and beyond in your service to others. For instance, you can spend time serving using your spiritual gifts or doing acts of service. You can also provide for the needs of others, such as mowing a neighbor’s yard. Such acts bring glory and honor to the Lord and are natural results of extravagant love.

In Philemon 4-7, Paul writes to Philemon expressing his thankfulness for him, saying,

I always thank my God when I pray for you, Philemon, because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people. And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. Your love has given me much joy and comfort, my brother, for your kindness has often refreshed the hearts of God’s people.

What does it mean when Paul writes, “I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ”? Paul is encouraging Philemon to be generous with what faith produces. As you begin to experience the love of Christ more and more, it’s easier to recognize the great blessings He lavishes on His children. The more you understand Christ’s love, the more eagerly you share it.

Most often, in the Christian faith, when you hear about generosity, it’s accompanied by asking for financial giving. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this. In Scripture, God calls His people to give generously. The sacrificial system God set up in the Levitical law included giving generously back to the Lord—your first fruits, the best of the best.

In 2 Corinthians 9:11-13, Paul writes about generously giving as part of obedience to the good news of Christ.

Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God. As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ (2 Corinthians 9:11-13).

First John 4:19 says, “We love each other because he loved us first.” Because of Christ’s generous love indwelling you through the Holy Spirit, you have everything you need to give your time, serve others with your skills and gifts, and give benevolently. Christ’s love poured out for you was not for you alone; it is living water, freely overflowing and available to everyone through faith. When you love generously, you live generously and bring honor and glory to the Lord.