Generous There is an atmosphere created around those who have more than just their needs taken care of. Where there is an abundance available to do and acquire whatever is desired, and when there is generosity to contribute to causes and areas of need, there is a lifting of the spirit in the hope that anything is possible. I’ve noticed this in opportunities to associate with overflowing wealth, that the heaviness of lack or discouragement is overwhelmed by boldness and confidence in a positive outcome. It’s as if this is the way life is meant to be lived, apart from the restraints of limitations and filled with liberated inspiration and creativity. From this life also comes a generosity that touches countless others with an overflowing blessing. This is the time of the year when the world is effectively influenced by the greatest display of exorbitance in the gift of Jesus. It gets touched by the One whose wealth dwarfs all other accumulated treasures combined. Pretty much everyone everywhere gets in on following Him in giving. Whether or not they’ve ever met or committed their lives to Him, many the world over are influenced by the greatest presentation of love’s Gift. Beyond all the gift-giving, though, there is an opportunity to take on the same nature experienced in Him and become a true giver as His child. Giving can become more than an event for those who receive the abundant life that is Jesus’ real gift to us. Flowing from those who are transformed in His presence can come that same spirit of abundance that liberates from lack and enables great blessing not just received, but overflowing unrestrained to all that are around. Notes Generosity: Possessing an abundance Is free from moral or selfish restraints Gives sacrificially Is a powerful influence for Good magnanimous /măg-năn′ə-məs/ adjective Highly moral, especially in showing kindness or forgiveness, as in overlooking insults or not seeking revenge. Great of mind; elevated in soul or in sentiment; raised above what is low, mean, or ungenerous; of lofty and courageous spirit. “a magnanimous character; a magnanimous conqueror.” Dictated by or exhibiting nobleness of soul; honorable; noble; not selfish All treasure comes from Him – His generosity James 1:17 (NKJV) 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Had, gave, rewarded John 3:16 (TPT) 16 For this is how much God loved the world—he gave his one and only, unique Son as a gift. So now everyone who believes in him will never perish but experience everlasting life. Jesus’ purpose in coming – to be generous/produce generous John 10:10 (NKJV) 10 The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly. To obtain His life, must let go of this life. Romans 2:4 (NKJV) 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? What is received from Him – generosity. Proverbs 11:25 (NKJV) 25 The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself. Generosity is a stand, like that of faith. Isaiah 32:8 (NLT) 8 But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity. There is a reward in Him – worth any sacrifice. Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Generosity results in provision for more generosity – the reward. Luke 6:38 (NKJV) 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." Understanding the reward of the generous forms the heart’s purpose. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NKJV) 6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. There is no law nearly as compelling as the law of love – its warnings and rewards. Purpose of possessions – generosity. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NLT) 17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. Generosity from a source in grace that is independent of bank balance. 2 Corinthians 8:7 (NKJV) 7 But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also. The reward is secured in God’s promise. Philippians 4:17 (NKJV) 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Overview: The reason for the season has been established in the generosity of the Father. Generosity comes from possessed resources, freedom from restraint, and belief in reward. The love that drives generosity was best demonstrated in the gift of Jesus. From Him we obtain an abundant and overflowing life of generosity. To grow in believing is to grow in commitment to the reward above the sacrifice. With eternal life is the transformation of the purpose for possessions. With the activated heart of generosity comes the grace to fulfill its purpose. The reward of giving drives the heart ensconced in God’s love. Prayer: Father, as You have so faithfully poured out Your goodness to me in Christ, cause that same heart to be shown in me. As You have held nothing back for the reward of Your children, let me be driven by the reward of Your life born, growing, and developing in those I give to by grace. I sacrifice all for the reward of You. Declarations: I am one of those whom Jesus saw as a joyful prize worth giving up His life for. The life I’ve obtained by receiving Him now is provided with an abundant source of generosity. As I grow in faith through His Word, I also grow in the grace of overflowing with His provision. There is no requirement for me to sacrifice my possessions as I freely give with an incredible promise of reward. My heart is cared for and kept as I continually respond with joy to faithful and opportune chances to show my Father’s generous nature. I am transforming daily from the perspective of personal possessions as things to be held to opportunities for investing in eternal rewards.