“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9 ESV).
The example of Christ’s generosity should inspire and empower our own. He took on the poverty of our separation, sin and death, that we might receive the riches of His sonship, righteousness and eternal life. Having received this grace of Christ, we also have received His generous character. We can live the life of the open hand, one hand open to God receiving, the other hand open to others giving. As Jesus said, “Freely you have received, freely give” (Matt. 10:8).
How are you known? Are you miserly with your money? Misers are miserable, but the life of generosity is marked by joy. The heart of generosity is love. As Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that He gave…” (John 3:16). Are you known for your heart of generosity?
PRAYER: Dear Father, we want to be like Jesus. We want to be known for our love and joy and generosity. Forgive us for our fear and greed. We worry that we won’t have enough. Yet all that we have we have received from You. Fill us with your Spirit of generosity. In Jesus’ name, amen.