“Generous givers draw closer to Christ.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 23, 2024
Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on. Mark 12:43-44
Followers of Jesus, whom God blesses with the gift of giving, give themselves first to the Lord, so all they are and all they have are His. The Lord is 100% owner of their lives: their time, their relationships, their body, their mind, their emotions, their spirit, their work, their money, and their resources. Nothing is not God’s when a disciple of Jesus has given everything to Jesus! This gift of giving expresses itself in generosity: generous love, generous service, generous giving, indeed, a lifestyle of generous living. Those gifted in giving answer yes before a need is mentioned. Their caution is to heed and discern that every need is not a green light to give. The Holy Spirit may lead another to meet the need, so the blessings of giving can be spread around.
What are some types of giving? In Mark’s gospel account, there are two types of givers. There is surplus giving, and there is generous giving; both are good and helpful. Surplus giving gives out of what’s left over—extra, while generous giving first gives all to the Lord and then discerns what can be kept, all for God’s purposes. In Jesus’ story of the generous widow, she gives all she has, and Jesus praises her for her generosity. The rich give out of their surplus, but the need to entrust all to the Lord is absent. In reality the rich especially need to feel a rich dependence on God. In some ways, there is an elevated need for the Holy Spirit to help them know what to keep and what to give away. When there are more options, there is more of a need to discern the mind of Christ. Generous giving is an act of love and obedience that gives God all that is already His.
You are called to be a generous giver because generosity reflects God’s heart. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul writes, “God loves a cheerful giver.” When you give freely, whether it’s your time, money, or resources, you participate in God’s work, bless others, and reflect His love. Generosity is an act of trust that your generous Father will provide for your needs as you pour into others. Your giving can make a lasting impact by meeting physical needs and sharing God’s love in a tangible way. Heaven’s blessings in your life compel you to bless others on earth. You are invited by the sweet Holy Spirit to give joyfully, knowing that generosity opens the door to beautiful blessings in your life and the lives of the Lord’s beloved. Giving is acting like Jesus.
Living as a generous giver doesn’t have to be complicated. Start like the Macedonian believers by giving yourself first and all you have to the Lord, “They gave themselves first of all to the Lord” 2 Corinthians 8:5. Continue by looking at the resources you already have—your time, relationships, experience, and finances. You can give financially to your church, missionaries, or charities that align with God’s heart for the needy. But generosity isn’t just about money. Offer your time by serving at a local shelter, mentoring someone in your community, or simply being available to a friend in need. Use your skills to bless others, whether through cooking a meal, helping someone with a project, or sharing your knowledge. 2 Corinthians 9:6 reminds you that “whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” Give joyfully and trust that God will use your generosity to bless others and expand His kingdom. Generous givers draw closer to Christ.
Prayer
Lord, help me to be a generous giver, reflecting Your abundant love. Teach me to give freely, not out of obligation but with joy and gratitude. Open my heart to see the needs around me, and let my generosity be an offering that honors You and blesses others. Amen.
Application
What next step can I take in my desire to be a generous giver for God?
Related Reading
Proverbs 3:5-6; Matthew 6:33; Romans 12:1; Galatians 2:20
Worship Resource
Josh Baldwin: Prince of Peace
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