GIF Six Ways to Be Generous

“One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”
(Proverbs 11:24-25 NIV)

Six Ways to Be Generous
by Chuck Bentley

Our generosity as the Body of Christ has been tested in the past, and it will be tested more in the future. We need to decide now to be generous in every possible way.

Following are six ways you can be generous today.

1. In Genesis 12, God told Abram to go to a new land. Abram obeyed and took his nephew, Lot, with him. Lot’s father had died, and this was an incredible act of generosity on Abram’s part. God may be leading you to care for people, such as elderly parents or a family in crisis, in the same way that Abram cared for Lot.

2. Abram showed generosity by giving Lot the first choice of the land. Has God called you to be generous with another member of your family as you divide an estate? Or, are you being called to forgive someone who took advantage of you in a past estate settlement?

3. When Lot was captured, Abram rescued him. Lot’s foolish behavior had cost him everything, but Abram loved him anyway. We should be willing to serve, help, and be generous to those in need—even those who have been foolish.

4. As a result of rescuing Lot, Abram and his servants captured treasures that had been stolen. From these treasures, Abram gave a tithe to Melchizedek, king of Salem, who was a “priest of God Most High” (Genesis 14:18 NIV). He knew that everything he had came from God. Has God called you to have a greater focus on supporting His Kingdom?

5. Abram gave back all the captured treasures except what his men needed for refreshment. If you’re an employer, be generous to your employees. Share your company’s victories with them, and let them know you couldn’t make it without them.

6. Abram gave back all the captured treasures to the King of Sodom. Has God called you to be generous even with those who don’t deserve your generosity?

Remember Abram’s model for generosity in these days. And, be listening for the Lord to prompt you to be generous.

Daily Scripture Reading:

2 Kings 25:1
2 Chronicles 36:13-16
Jeremiah 21:1-22:9, 32:1-44, 52:4
Ezekiel 24