Tag: Christian love

 

No doubt you’ve heard it said: God is not outdone in generosity. And is that connected to Christian generosity?

We understand it best by learning how God interacts with us and the example of Christ Jesus. Scripture is full of great examples of generosity, both in how God relates to us and how He expects us to relate to others.

But why does God want us to be generous? What are the benefits of doing so?

Challenges to being generous will emerge, too. But knowing the benefits of doing so will help us overcome any doubts on whether to cooperate with God’s grace.

Also knowing the traits of a generous person and the way to be so, helps us move towards an altruistic Christianity. Here we exceed what’s expected by God to a more heroic and holy way of living.

Although giving is part of human nature, grace builds on nature. It’s grace that divinizes our thoughts and actions, makes us more like God.

And as we slowly develop an attitude of giving, our thinking is transformed into doing so without counting the cost.

 

 

Biblical Definition of Generosity

God is generous by nature – and to a fault! At least from a limited human perspective. Notice how Jesus says of God:

He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous (Mt 5:45).

In other words, God loves unconditionally and is generous with it.

Another example is Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand. And remember, there was plenty of fish and bread leftover. Twelve basketsful to be exact.

That points to God’s generosity as abundant, as giving us more than enough.

God’s so generous that He always gives more than we need. And it’s His will that we practice the same generosity with others.

It is part of our conversion and putting on the mind of Christ.

Giving of ourselves is something we must not shrink from. This brings to mind what Our Lord said to St. Faustina when He was instructing her in the ways of His mercy:

I demand from you deeds of mercy, which are to arise out of love for Me. You are to show mercy to your neighbors always and everywhere. You must not shrink from this or try to excuse or absolve yourself from it. I am giving you three ways of exercising mercy toward your neighbor: the first – by deed, the second – by word, the third – by prayer. In these three degrees is contained the fullness of mercy, and it is an unquestionable proof of love for me. By this means a soul glorifies and pays reverence to My mercy (Diary 742).

From what Our Lord says, being merciful is a way of being generous. And we can imitate Jesus in no better way in generosity than by being merciful.

 

 

How can a Christian be generous? – Dynamic Reflection

Generosity characteristics are the foundation upon which a vibrant outlook on life develops.

Making generosity a hallmark of human living deepens a sense of who we are as God’s children. It unites us to our humanity and that of others in a more profound way.

Take time to mull this over:

• Growing in generosity is often to put others first. It’s a humble way of living in imitation of Christ Jesus. It’s to be altruistic.
• Realize that being generous will make you happier. That’s because we’re all connected by our common humanity and called to be God’s children.
• Notice in what ways you’re generous to yourself especially when it involves self-care. That can provide you with ideas on how to be generous to others.
• Be grateful for what you have as it’ll make you more optimistic about life. You’ll find this helps you think of others and their needs instead of just your own.
• And try sometimes to help people without their knowledge. In other words: But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing (Mt 6:3). It’s a humble thing to do.

And being generous also supplies the giver with bundles of energy.

Why?

Thinking of ourselves all the time depletes our energy. That is, we’ll be always centered or ‘self – worried’ and anxious that our needs aren’t met. Or that we’re not feeling fulfilled.

But generosity does the opposite. Thinking more of others and their needs actually meet one of our own. In other words, we meet the need to belong, including a sense of purpose and meaning to life.

 

 

How to Practice Generosity – Developing the Christian Mindset

We’re generous and kind sometimes – like most people. But develop a generous attitude.

In other words, try to cooperate with God’s grace and how to grow in this virtue.

To do this, be aware of others and their needs and how we can best meet them. Also, we need to know what our gifts are and how we can share them. And so:

1. Share something that has meaning to you whether it is your time, belongings or ideas. And give the good stuff, not your leftovers.
2. Don’t look for anything in return. This will keep your ego in check and help you develop an altruistic attitude.
3. Don’t ask how your gift is being used by the receiver. Give freely and let go.
4. Don’t give something of yourself if you don’t mean it or think you’ll regret it later. Self-integrity matters and you’ll know you’re being insincere even if others don’t notice.
5. Cultivate your ability to be considerate. Recognize that people need help and are thankful for it.
6. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Don’t leave undone what only you can do at that time and given opportunity.

If we nurture these principles we’ll be pleasing to God and will grow in the virtue of generosity. And, so much so, that we’ll be able to apply generosity to people we find difficult to get on with. We’ll also think nothing of doing tasks that previously we would have avoided.

Ultimately, we’ll be growing in Christ as we mirror the behavior of Jesus.

 

 

3 principles for biblical giving – relationships, home and work

Generosity takes place in the context of daily living. So it’s beneficial to consider three areas of life where we can best practice generosity.

It’s there we can meet Christ Jesus with Christian generosity. 

How to Be Generous in a Relationship

Relationships are an important part of life whether it’s with our spouse, kids, other family members, friends, neighbors or colleagues (I think I’ve covered just about anyone we’ll have in our lives!).

Here’s an idea: why not pick one or two of them every day and consider how you can be generous to them. Here are some ideas:

• Be truly present to your loved ones and give them your undivided attention even when you don’t feel like it.
• Tell them you are grateful for them and why.
• Pay someone a compliment and mean it. Let it be meaningful.
• Buy them a present, something you know they’ll like – and don’t be a cheapo either!

Friendship is a gift from God. So use it. Doing so shows God you appreciate his thoughtfulness in providing you with friends and other loved ones.

 

 

Examples of Generosity at Home

How to show generosity at home is important if we want to be part of a happy home.

Moreover, other members of the household will notice and be more likely to be of the same mind. Try these out:

• Do a chore that others might not like doing, e.g. taking out the trash.
• Buy your loved ones treats for no particular reason.
• Bake something for your family and surprise them with it. It’ll be special for them if it’s not something you do regularly. But whatever you do – don’t burn it!
• Tell your parents and grandparents how they’ve helped and influenced you in your life. I’d say tear ducts might fill with that one.

And remember, the family is a symbol of the Holy Trinity. Behaving like this helps you imitate and grow in the unconditional love of the Godhead.

Ideas on How to Be Generous at Work

We spend a great part of our lives in the workplace. So it’s an excellent place to develop our generosity mindset. There are ample opportunities throughout the day for us to give of ourselves.

Here are a few ideas to help you get started.

• Notice situations where a colleague is in need and give a helping hand.
• Bring your workmates coffee and some treats from time to time.
• Smile at everyone you meet that day.
• Tell a colleague why you love working with them.

As a Christian, you’re giving a good example. Others may ask you why you’re being so kind and generous, and you can use this as an opportunity to evangelize!

 

 

Benefits of giving in the bible – Christian generosity vindicated

 

Christian generosity – God even provides physical benefits

On top of this, there are also health benefits from being generous too[i]. It can help to:

• Lessen depression
• Reduce anxiety
• Decrease stress
• Lower the risk of dementia
• Manage the pain of chronic conditions
• And more!

See how God wants us to blossom in every aspect of our being?

And with it, our Christian generosity ripples through the world touching, healing and giving as it moves from person to person. The Holy Spirit weaves His way among us working this out for those who love God (cf. Rom 8:28).

 

 

Radical generosity: what prevents us from being generous Christians?

You can be forgiven for thinking this blog post sounds too idealistic, as though people always try their best.

But as you know – that’s not always the case. In fact, some people can be doggone nasty!

But let’s concentrate on you! You’re still reading this as you want to grow and be a better person through leading a more generous life. You want Christian generosity to help you become more like Christ.

So look at what challenges you personally, what your blockages might be. We all have them.

And don’t mind what other people are doing. Don’t compare yourself to others. Again, we all do that, but try to remember you’re a unique child of God and it’s okay to be who you are, warts and all.

Here are a few areas worth exploring. Ask yourself, what makes you:

1. Selfish
2. Fearful
3. Self-absorbed
4. Distracted

And as I’m sure you’re aware, one or more of these are at play in our daily lives.

It’s amazing how easily derailed we get, too. The concerns of life can get in the way. Tiredness or a sense of self-preservation can kick in for any number of reasons.

But the purpose of this reflection is to help us grow. It’s not meant to be an exercise to judge or condemn ourselves.

Simply put, if you find you’re giving yourself a hard time: STOP IT!!!

That nonsense only makes you feel sorry for yourself or stops you from trying. You’ll think: what’s the point, I’m useless!

There are enough martyrs and victim thinkers in the world, please don’t add to their number.

And don’t tire of trying either. Remember what St. Paul said:

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Gal 6:9).

 

 

Unconditional Love Is Altruism – Hooray for that!

 

 

What is an example of generosity?

 

Christian Generosity without feeling used – being poor me free!