Listen:
“Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.” (Hebrews 13:15-16)
Reflect:
There are moments in my life and in the lives of people around me that are generous moments, generous actions of giving. Sometimes I like to reflect on these moments so as to confirm the idea that I am indeed a generous person. The way scripture instructs us to not forget to do good, to not forget to be generous is an indicator to me that generosity of spirit does not come naturally. It’s not that we don’t try to be generous here and there, but human nature is to look inward, not outward. If you can’t remember the last time you were generous, I wonder if it is because of a human forgetfulness to not look around you to see where there is a need; a forgetfulness to intentionally prioritize and determine what you have in your hands what you have in your heart to give in order to meet the needs around you to sacrifice in a way that pleases God.
Giving Tuesday is not about where to strategically allot your pre-determined giving dollars to check a generosity box. Giving Tuesday and every day is an invitation to be the hands and feet of Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit to inspire and prompt us to partner with Him, other believers and organizations in generous living and generous giving.
Questions to Ponder:
- What comes to mind when you hear the word generous?
- Is generosity a character trait you aspire to grow in?
- Holy Spirit how might You be prompting me today to be generous as You are generous?
Prayer of Response:
Heavenly father, the giver of every good gift, You so extravagantly pour out your blessing and goodness and grace to me. Help me to be like you Jesus. Not here and there, when it’s convenient for me, but each moment of every day. Help me to have a heart like you willing to pour out. A spirit of generosity allowing me to love and sacrifice for others. And as I am generous; as I give money, or time, or words, or actions- may you receive it as a sign of worship. It is a love offering ultimately for you Jesus. Thank you for the joy you promise as we follow your lead in living a life of goodness and generosity. Amen.
—Submitted by Erinne Baker
Erinne and husband, Travis live in Klamath Falls, Oregon where they are raising their four kids, Charlotte, Benjamin, William and Wyatt. She is a pastor and lifelong learner of what it means to trust God, and live a life fueled by love and grace.
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