Joy in Generosity

Devotional Reading: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 ESV

When you hear the word “generosity,” what’s the first image that comes to mind?

You probably thought of money and that wouldn’t be wrong. But to find joy in generosity, you also have to look beyond just reaching into your wallet. Finding joy in generosity means acknowledging that you are a steward of all that God’s entrusted to you—time, skills, knowledge, and talent as well as money.

A steward is simply a manager; you’re a manager of God’s things. He hands out good gifts, but it’s easy to forget that managers we are simply looking after them. Instead we tend to think of success as a “self-made” status, when in fact it all comes from God’s hand.

Reclaiming joy in generosity looks different for each person. Here are just a few ways Jesus calls people into generosity:

• Jesus has called some to follow the example of the rich young ruler in Mark 10:17-22, instructing them to sell possessions and give to the poor.
• Jesus has called some to be generous with time, sacrificing a Sunday of relaxation to serve in church.
• Jesus has called some to be generous with influence, advocating for those who are less powerful.
• Jesus has called some to be generous with talents, using practical skills to help others.

By using the things God’s entrusted to you to honor and serve Him, you’re ultimately worshipping Him. That is true joy!

Prayer and Confession
Help me Jesus to find delight in generosity. Amen!

Further Reading – Romans 14:17, 2Corinthians 8&9