“God’s grace is not held hostage by a human standard of fairness.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 30, 2024
Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity? Matthew 20:15
Not everyone celebrates generosity, especially if they feel left out or treated unfairly. Jesus illustrated this idea by telling the story of the generous landowner who represented God’s discretionary generosity. Laborers were hired throughout the day, yet they were all paid the same at the end of the day. Those brought on board early on had a grievance of working more but being paid the same as the ones who had worked less. Jesus illustrates a common misconception of divine grace. A generous grace is not based on merit or fairness but on the mercy and sovereignty of God. The grace of the Lord is not held hostage by a human standard of fairness. Instead, He freely gives to the first and the last willing to labor in His Kingdom. Citizens in God’s Kingdom enjoy generous grace modeled by the Giver so that we can give freely.
I was recently reminded of the idea of discretionary generosity when a generous giver with the National Christian Foundation passed away and left a clear directive of when and where to give the $2M remaining in her donor-advised fund. Her only adult child was unhappy about fulfilling her wishes, as he was the successor of her fund and had his ideas of how the funds should be used. Part of the tension may have been a feeling of not benefiting from the money since it was designated to be given away. Or, his resistance may have been related to wanting more discretion on where to give this significant gift. Whatever the reason for his grievance, his mom had clearly defined her discretionary generosity based on how the Lord led her to be a good manager of the resources He had blessed her to invest in His Kingdom. Wise generosity discerns God’s heart.
God has been incredibly generous with His grace toward you—freely offering forgiveness, love, and salvation. Just as you’ve received this grace, you’re called to extend it to others. Matthew 10:8 says, “Freely you have received; freely give.” Being generous with God’s grace means showing patience, kindness, and mercy, even when difficult. When someone wrongs you, choose forgiveness over bitterness. When you see someone struggling, offer encouragement instead of judgment. Reflect on the landowner’s generosity in Matthew 20:1-16—God’s grace is not limited, nor should yours be. Trust that as you extend grace to others, God will continue to pour His grace into your life, enabling you to bless and uplift those around you. Grace gives grace!
Furthermore, pray and seek the Lord’s heart for how He leads you to invest generously in His Kingdom. Submit your discretionary generosity to the Holy Spirit’s guidance as you seek to discern God’s heart for your giving. To understand God’s heart for your generous giving, seek Him in prayer. Ask for wisdom and clarity on where He’s calling you to give. James 1:5 reminds you that God gives wisdom generously to those who ask. Study Scripture to understand His heart for generosity—like 2 Corinthians 9:7, which teaches that God loves a cheerful giver. Pay attention to the needs around you, as God often uses your compassion to guide your giving. Be open to the Holy Spirit’s promptings, whether financial giving, time, or resources. Reflect on your motives: Are you giving to bless others and honor God? You’ll find joy and peace in your generosity as you align your heart with Him, knowing it reflects God’s love. Love gives freely!
Prayer
Lord, thank You for Your generous grace that I do not deserve but freely receive. Help me to reflect that grace in my life, extending kindness, forgiveness, and love to others. Teach me to be a vessel of Your grace, sharing it generously as You have done for me. Amen.
Application
How is the Spirit leading you to generously invest in God’s Kingdom?
Related Reading
John 1:16; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Titus 2:11; James 4:6
Worship Resource
Victory Worship: Back to Your Heart
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