The Apostle Paul  encourages generosity, writing, "But just as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us - see that you also excel in this grace of giving." (2 Corinthians 8:7)  Generosity is giving to others with a thankful heart for all that God has given to us.  It is giving the love of Jesus and of ourselves in service to others in the name and service of our Lord.

In generosity we reflect and even emulate the very heart of Jesus Christ.  On the cross, Jesus gave up his life for others.  Through his death, the gift of eternal life and the riches of his grace were made known and manifest.  The Apostle Paul writes, "for you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ; that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." (2 Corinthians 8:9)  Paul's immediate appeal is for financial support, but he also seeks to know the sincerity of the Corinthians' love for Christ demonstrated through giving.

We are called to develop a heart of giving Christ's love to others.  Examples of Christian generosity can inspire us to develop a spirit of generous giving.  One excellent example is that of Mother Teresa of Calcutta, India.  Mother Teresa and her order demonstrated the love of Jesus.  It is simple love - a giving to others as Jesus gave.  Works of love are a way of being like Jesus and moving closer to God.  We are called to do good to others in the name of Jesus as he did good for others in his earthly ministry.  We can be inspired to do the same.

Being generous is to give others with unconditional regard, even those who have wronged us.  It is reaching beyond the wrong done to us in order to give to others with a warm heart.  This is not an easy thing to do.  This is a spiritual discipline - learning to reach out to others in spite of previous or potential offense, rejection, and fear.  To quote the late Henri Nouwen, chaplain, priest, and noted author, "every time I take a step in the direction of generosity, I know that I am moving from fear to love."

Jesus calls us to develop a generous heart in service to others in his name.  A generous heart is offering care, nurture, protection, and unconditional love to others.  It is offering ourselves to build up the Kingdom of God.  It is to be the very hands and feet of Jesus for others, generously caring for our neighbors, raising up the oppressed, seeking justice, and loving others in the name of Jesus.  Generosity is truly investing our time, talents, resources and gifts in the lives of others.  Jesus says, "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat.  I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.  I was a stranger and you invited me in.  I needed clothes and you clothed me.  I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me."  (Matthew 25:35-36)

When we find the grace of giving in our own lives, we will then truly glorify Almighty God and His Kingdom!

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