“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25)
In the midst of the Great Depression, a mother of seven becomes frustrated that no one in the family seems to be pulling their weight in completing their assigned chores. So she stages what she calls her “own personal sit-down strike.” Probably the most self-sacrificing member of the TV-family known as The Waltons, Olivia Walton appears to be frustrated that her kindness and generosity is being taken-for-granted. If you were a fan of this 1970’s family drama, you know that in this episode like all the others – everything turns out just fine, including a lesson-to-be remembered. That was then . . . and it appears that in the now, not much has changed. In the present day, a lady writes to an advice columnist that “while she likes doing kind things for people,” she believes that her “kind acts should be appreciated but not to be expected.” She goes on to express that her generosity has begun to turn to resentment. She must feel some guilt from this, because she asks the advice-giver what she is doing wrong.
The words of wisdom shared from the columnist are no doubt intended to get the writer to examine her own actions. At one point she states, “If your self-worth is tied up in the idea that you’re a generous person, you should disengage it.” While that advice might be adequate for many in today’s society, it should also be compared with Biblical teachings when considered by modern-day Christians. Scripture is filled with many examples of kindness and self-sacrifice. In the Book of Acts, we read about a person named Tabitha from Joppa who was always doing good. Dorcas, as she was also called, was known for her compassion for the poor in her community and investing in those who had needs. In Acts 9:36-40, we discover her at the time of her death. Friends search for Peter to see if there was something he could do. Widows showed him all the clothing Dorcas had made for them—gifts that reminded them of her love. Dorcas is described as a disciple and was one who imitated the generosity of God.
From the beginning of Creation, God has been generous toward us. He created us in His image, provides for us, and wants us to be in a relationship with Him. Above all, God demonstrated His generosity when He offered His Son as a sacrifice to atone for our sin. The gift of Jesus to sinful mankind was the ultimate validation of His love. He is always seeking people who will reflect His character and model His generosity through self-sacrifice, evidenced by their attitude and actions toward others. While at times we might feel that our generosity is unappreciated, we are not to expect repayment in kind or from any worldly praise. Our reward will come from the Lord, in His way and in His time. In fact, we are challenged to show generosity even to our enemies: “If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them . . . But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked” (Luke 6:29,35).
Lent, begins on Ash Wednesday and runs during the six weeks leading up to Easter Sunday. It marks a period of time when some Christians reflect on the biblical account of Jesus’ time in the desert where he fasted and prayed before his eventual death and resurrection. During the Lenten season, we are expected to make sacrifices as children of God and followers of Christ. The sacrifices should remind us of the one made by Jesus through which He saved us from sin and won salvation of our souls. While the historical intent behind the season of Lent is purposeful, it has often lost meaning in our culture. It has become fashionable to ‘give up something’ for Lent, so why not consider allowing it to be a period of generosity through self-sacrifice? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if someone was collecting the sacrificial offerings through your acts of service? Mother Teresa reminds us that “You have never really lived until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” True generosity begins with a heart of sacrificial service ending with God’s grace and the knowledge that He alone has been exalted.
REFLECTION: How does your attitude and obedience change on a daily basis if you look forward to your generosity being based on the acceptance and praise from others? How can you combat the falsehood that what God can do through you is limited to what others expect from you? How can you show God’s generous heart to someone in need this week through an unanticipated act of service?
A NEW LOOKUP DEVOTION IS UPLOADED EACH WEEK. THE NEXT WEEKLY POSTING WILL BE ON SAT., MARCH 16, 2019. COMMENTS ARE WELCOMED.