Fast Day 18: Generous

“Generosity changes everything.”¹

If there is a poor person among you … you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand but shall fully open your hand to him and generously lend him enough for his need in whatever he lacks. Be careful that there is no mean-spirited thought in your heart … you shall generously give to him, and your heart shall not be grudging because for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all your undertakings. And do this even though the poor will not cease to exist in the land. From Deuteronomy 15: 7-10

Yes, generosity can change the landscape for the unloved and the least. This is why we are mandated to give, in the Bible. This is why giving is at the heart of what we do as Christians. And giving generously is a hallmark of the active church member if not the pew-sitter. 

Generosity also changes the giver, or it should … A generous giver has a soft heart, an open hand, and an unselfish spirit. There will be no resentment about how the money is used or what the results might or might not be, but an understanding that this call to give will be a constant call. A constant call because there will always be new crises that will affect different people who will need help.

And yet, God promises to bless our giving in ways that may change our own circumstances for the better. And He will bless us in ways that will change us on the inside. If we don’t seek change to give in God’s way, we may become that hard, mean-spirited and begrudging giver described in Deuteronomy. And no one wants that!

Recognize how God’s economy works:
If you want to receive mercy, you must give mercy. (James 2:13)
If you want to receive grace, you must give grace. (John 1:16 NIV)
If you want to receive forgiveness, you must give forgiveness. (Matthew 6:14)
If you want to receive blessings, you must give blessings. (1 Peter 3:9)
If you want a friend, be a friend! You can see how this plays out!

Your commitment to fast and pray and feel more hunger for God means that instead of being filled with unnecessary earthly things, He will fill you with Himself. And a person filled with God must overflow. He will pour Himself out through you. His generosity means you will be generous with mercy, grace, forgiveness … and blessings.

Determine how God’s economy will intersect your own life.

Where are you expecting grace and mercy to happen for you?

If you evaluate your insides in this situation, how might your attitude stink?

With whom are you withholding forgiveness or blessings while waiting for them to take the first step?

When we are generous in our own interactions, we will be free to become that soft-hearted giver that God wants.

How can you keep your heart soft and your actions generous?

Dearest Lord, Your mercy and grace toward me is undeserved. But You have no desire to withhold anything from me, Your child. Give me Your heart to give generously to others, no questions asked. Amen.

¹A core value of Salty Church, Ormond Beach, FL.