How should we live?
(Part of the series on 'core values.')
"Generosity"
Generosity isn't a give-away program...it's a mindset of liberality.
Generosity isn't about being rich. In fact, generosity isn't about money.
Generosity isn't involved in a discussion that looks at tax benefits or names on buildings. Those 'quid pro quo' give and get schemes are the stuff of development hirelings and their targets - folks with ego deficits. Yep, there's lots of that stuff going on.
There are still truly generous people around. These are folks who frequently refuse any and all recognition, doing their beneficence with anonymity and the quiet joy that comes from being useful to mankind.
There are still truly generous people around who have attitudes of grace and are gracious, even to those who aren't gracious.
There are still truly generous people around who liberally give of themselves, their time, their affection, and yes - even their money, if they have any.
Generosity is a character trait of God. "For God so loved the world that He gave..."
There are promises associated with generosity:
" Good will come to him who is generous..." Psalms 112.5
" A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." Proverbs 11.25
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." II Corinthians 9.6
Generosity - if you are periodically attempting to exercise it and it isn't a 'core value' you will resent the opportunities and efforts. If it is a 'core value' you will be refreshed with the wellsprings of life.
Is it in your nature? It is in God's nature!