“A Generous Spirit”

Some people think that a selfish life is a promising way to live. They hold on to everything they have, ignore the needs of others, and make life all about themselves. All they think about is what they can do, what they can achieve, and all the stuff they have accumulated. They think they deserve all that they have and that they are entitled to keep it.

The problem with living that way is the attitude of entitlement. What if we don’t get exactly what we deserve? What if all that we have is a gift from God? What if God has showered us with His blessings – even though we do not deserve them?

What if we are actually ENTITLED to nothing?

In truth, we deserve to be separated from God – but God showers us with grace. It’s all a gift. Even the air in our lungs is a gift.

If everything is a gift from God, we have no reason to be selfish. We can choose to be generous, freely sharing what God has given us. We are free to love others, expecting nothing in return. We can live selflessly, thinking of other people. We can use our God-given strength for good purposes. We can treat others as we want to be treated. Being kind and generous and loving is not weakness. It’s a flex – in truth, it’s an expression of great strength.

There are many ways to be selfless and generous. Sometimes that might involve money, but not necessarily. What is called for is a generosity of spirit, a life of kindness, and an attitude of humility.

I could choose to live selfishly, hurt other people, and cause damage to others – but I choose not to . . . because of God’s grace in my life. My capabilities are shaped by His activity. He changes me into the person He wants me to be – and I choose to embrace what God is doing in me. God has given me the power and strength to overcome my struggles and problems. In fact, God makes me unstoppable. But it is my responsibility not to misuse that power. It is my responsibility to use His power in loving ways. 

That is why I try to live a life that reflects God’s grace.

Give, and it will be given to you.
A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over,
will be poured into your lap.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
                                                                                                                                          -Luke 6:38