Generosity is love expressed in practical ways with joy. Generosity and justice are two character traits more needed in our selfish world – and these are also traits of God who characterized himself as having righteous character, gracious compassion, and justice with faithful lovingkindness (Exodus 34:6-7). Generosity and justice are traits that come into our world from hearts touched by our Father. They are people who have been transformed to more nearly reflect the nature of God. We see this in the Gentile Macedonian believers, who sacrificially and graciously helped their fellow believers in Jerusalem, who were Jewish. Paul describes it this way: Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us (2 Corinthians 8:3-5).
We’ve included Phil’s ToGather video from four years ago as an added blessing to our verse today:
Loving Father, I know you will lead me to people today who need me to be generous with my love, time, forgiveness, and money. Please help me to treat them generously, fairly, and lovingly, just as you have treated me. May my life reflect your grace to others who need your love. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
