Let’s talk about generosity.
Who is the most generous person you know?
Perhaps the first person you thought of was a philanthropist of sorts – someone who contributes money to those in need.
But I’m guessing the people that you truly admire are those that are more generous with their time, compliments, friendship, and respect.
I have a friend that can find a hidden strength in every one she meets. I admire that!
Years ago, I traveled to the Dominican Republic on a medical mission trip with a man who donated his time, money and supplies to offer hearing aids to people who needed them. At the time, he was 70 years old and worked from sunrise to far beyond sunset. Although his monetary gift was highly commendable, it was his time and service that won my admiration. His efforts to touch the lives of others personally.
Relationships are eternal and being generous within our relationships is something that is more than a one-and-done deal.
I have a friend that battles cancer and still reaches out beyond herself to be available for others. I admire that!
Do your friends know that you are “for them?” or do they see you as more self – seeking?
When your friends see your number pop up on their phones – what do they think? Do they welcome your call or shoot you straight to voicemail?
In our friendships, being generous means:
REACHING OUT TO THEM AND CHECKING ON THEM WHEN YOU HAVEN’T HEARD FROM THEM IN A WHILE
REMEMBERING IMPORTANT DATES
REMEMBERING TO ASK ABOUT WHAT’S IMPORTANT TO THEM
HELPING THEM WHEN THEY NEED A HAND – WE ARE SO BUSY, FRIENDS OFTEN THINK WE’RE “TOO BUSY”
BEING AVAILABLE
LISTENING
Authentic generosity is experienced the most with those people in our lives that we know the best.
In our marriages, being generous means:
SERVING ONE ANOTHER
RESPECTING AND HONORING EACH OTHER – ESPECIALLY WHEN YOUR SPOUSE MAKES A MISTAKE
PRAYING FOR ONE ANOTHER
FORGIVING EACH OTHER AND ASKING FOR FORGIVENESS WHEN YOU’VE HURT YOUR SPOUSE
BUILDING YOUR SPOUSE UP, ENCOURAGING THEM
RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS – ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU DON’T FEEL LIKE IT
Another of my friends “never met a stranger” she is outgoing and connects with others wherever she goes; in the grocery store, waiting in line for gas or walking to her car in a parking lot. I admire that!
Being generous with a stranger can mean:
OFFERING A COMPLIMENT OR A SMILE
STARTING A CONVERSATION WHEN THEY LOOK UNCOMFORTABLE, JUST BEING FRIENDLY CAN BRIGHTEN SOMEONE’S DAY
BE WILLING TO HELP THEM IF YOU SEE A NEED – IF THEY DROP SOMETHING, OR CAN’T REACH SOMETHING, OR NEED AN ACT OF KINDNESS
I love the definition that Google gives for generous:
showing a readiness to give more of something, as money or time, than is strictly necessary or expected.
More than is necessary or expected….
And of course…God says it best:
The world of the generous gets larger and larger;
the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.
The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed;
those who help others are helped.
Proverbs 11:24-25 (MSG)
Have a generous week friends!
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Anita Ojeda says
Beautiful examples of generosity! I need to work on cultivating generosity—as an introvert, I too often use that as an excuse for miserly actions. But Jesus gave more than expected, and I want to follow his actions!
Michele Morin says
Yes! Getting outside of our own small selves and extending all our resources for God’s use! I think this gets to be more of a challenge as we age, and, therefore, becomes more of a spiritual discipline–which, of course, God is always willing to come to our rescue for!
Char says
We do tend to want to relax a bit as we get older. I wonder how I did so much when I had children in tow!
Maree Dee says
I like that, “More than expected or necessary.” I do want to live and be known for just that. Great words to strive for. Thank you for the breakdown of examples.
Char says
A wonderful legacy!
Joanne Viola says
Char, I loved all of your examples. Generosity comes easily to some and takes intentionality for others. When it is genuine, it touches in the deepest recesses of our lives. May God grow me to be the sort of person who is generous and thus, touches others and points them to Jesus.
May you and your family have a blessed Easter!
Char says
I love that! “When it is genuine, it touches in the deepest recesses of our lives.”
Becky Hastings says
I love your practical lists of how we can be generous in different relationships! Generosity with time is so much more valuable to me than money, and I am encouraged to be more so with my own toward others.
Happy Easter!
Char says
Me too! I love time with a friend, spouse, etc. Have a wonderful Easter too! Thanks Becky.
nylse says
Generosity seems to be a theme this week. When I started my “Heart of Giving” I had no idea that it would resonate with so many and I struggled as I wrote the conclusion which I posted yesterday. Since then I’ve seen and read things with a similar theme. I view this as confirmation.
Thank you for sharing on generosity.
Char says
Amazing how God works the same message in our hearts! I was flipping through my journal and this topic jumped out at me.
Cheryl says
It seems that the people I am often the least generous with, are the ones that live in my own house. I find that it is easier to brush them off or listen with one ear verses giving my full attention. Thanks for the gentle reminder.
Char says
Me too….
Patrick weseman says
I try to be generous to others but every time I am, they want more and more from me. So I have had to pull back a lot and have started to brush off people. I know that is not great but it something I needed to do. I guess I might try again.
Thank you for hosting and I hope that you have a wonderful week and a good Easter.
Char says
It’s a challenge to find a balance when people are takers. I lean heavily on the Lord, for His wisdom, with these people. Because with some people giving more is not blessing them. I’m so grateful for the Lord’s guidance.
Marilyn Lesniak says
Thank you for hosting such a fun party each week. Today I brought a Collection of Easter Brunch menus, a colorful Easter Egg Bread Ring, and my favorite, a No Bake Cadbury Egg Cheesecake! I hope you enjoy them. Have a happy week! #OverTheMoon #WWBlogHop #ThursdayFavoriteThings
Jerralea says
Love that you point out generosity can also be measured in time, not just money.
Thanks for sharing the MSG version of Proverbs 11:24. I hadn’t seen it in that version before.
Good to remember, “those who help others are helped.”
Donna Reidland says
What great examples of the many ways to show generosity. I’m married to a man who is truly gifted in the area of giving. It has challenged me, at times, but it has also grown and blessed me.