November is the time of the year associated with thankfulness, but it is also a season for generosity.
What do you think of when you see the word “generosity?” Does the word call to mind a person, an act, or a characteristic?
Following are thoughts on the practice, and cultivation, of generosity:
What is Generosity?
Is generosity only related to financial largesse? True generosity extends beyond financial. Generosity is unselfishly giving of yourself, your time, talents, and knowledge, as well as finances, without expecting anything in return. A generous spirit stems from the overflow of thankfulness for the many ways God has blessed you.
Teaching Generosity
Children learn by example. To pass the concept of generosity on to succeeding generations, we have to model a generous spirit. In today’s world, where so much is geared to self-centeredness, teaching generosity is a challenge. Yet, if we don’t, the concept may be lost forever.
When I was a child, I got my first tithing lesson from my aunt, who was paid each week in cash. She pulled a handful of money from her wallet, removed some of the bills, placed them in a church envelope, and said, “Let me take out this money that doesn’t belong to me.” I was confused. How could money she earned for working not belong to her? I asked her what she meant, and she explained the concept of giving back a tenth of what she earned to God. I never forgot her words.
Years later, when we were struggling financially and wrangling small children, our CPA challenged me about a year when we hadn’t kept up with tithing. It was humbling, and challenged me to pay attention to how, and where, we were over-spending, adjust, and resume the practice of tithing.
Modeling Generosity
My father modeled generosity, however, he never spoke of it. Some people broadcast their acts of charity, but true generousness is done quietly.
As a child, I remember the day he came home from work at an unusual time and began taking clothes and shoes out of his closet. When I asked what he was doing, he said simply, “There’s a need.” Later, I learned the house of one of the men on his construction crew had burned, leaving them with little.
Often, when I was on a job site with my father, I’d see his clothes, or shoes, on members of his crew.
After Daddy’s death, many people told me stories of his quiet generosity, acts he never mentioned to anyone.
Demonstrating generosity doesn’t require showiness. It can be as simple as tipping a server, giving to someone on the street, or talking to your children and grandchildren about helping others.
When generosity is modeled for us, that example makes an impact that sticks with us, prompting us toward forward motion.
Pure Generosity
My father generousness was pure, not to gain praise, but because he understood blessing others as he had been blessed. If you are generous, and want people to praise you for it, you are acting from an ulterior motive.
Scripture teaches us that we can’t outgive God. We are given according to the measure in which we give. The only way to prove this true is to give generously. “Test me in this and see if I don’t open up heaven itself to you and pour out blessings beyond your wildest dreams” (Malachi 3:10 MSG).
Generosity is an attitude of the heart.
“Don’t hold back—give freely, and you’ll have plenty poured back into your lap—a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, brimming over. You’ll receive in the same measure you give” (Luke 6:38 VOICE).
©CandyArrington
Candy Arrington is an award-winning writer, blogger, and speaker. She often writes on tough topics with a focus on moving through, and beyond, difficult life circumstances. Candy has written hundreds of articles, stories, and devotions published by numerous outlets including: Inspiration.org, Arisedaily.com, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, Focus on the Family, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest. Candy’s books include Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), and AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide (B&H Publishing Group).
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