Generosity

Think just a minute and picture in your mind, standing outside in a springtime rainstorm. I am sure we can all think of a time when we found ourselves in such a situation. The sky seemed to have opened, pouring “buckets of water” all over us! Our reaction is usually to run to a shelter to avoid getting soaked. With this idea in mind, now picture, instead of rain, the “kindness, wisdom, and understanding” of God being “showered” upon you in a deluge. This picture is an image of God’s generous nature.

Another word for generous is lavish. The Dictionary tells us the origin of the word “lavish” comes from France in the fifteenth century to describe a “deluge of rain; to wash.” This definition complements well our rainstorm analogy. In our current culture, the word lavish is most often used with a negative connotation as being over the top wasteful, such as he lives a lavish lifestyle. In Scripture, God is referred to as giving “lavishly.” “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” 1 John 3:1 NIV.

Because of God’s generosity, you are rich and abundantly wealthy! Yes, you are and so am I. The way I know this is true is because our Creator God created us in His image. “So God created man in his own image. In the image of God he created him, male and female he created them.” Genesis 1:27 NIV. We share in an inheritance of God’s great goodness, therefore, we not only can afford to be generous with those around us, but we are also expected to share what we have received.

You may be thinking; you have no idea what my bank account looks like. I can barely get by! It is true, financial giving is important whenever possible, but our “bank accounts” consist of much more than just money. I would argue that money is not our most valuable asset we have to share. Each person, as one of God’s creation, has received an abundance of love, kindness and grace. Now, in His likeness, shouldn’t we also be “showering” others with what we, ourselves, have received?

The next time you get caught in a downpour of rain, don’t run for shelter but with arms outstretched, soak it all in. Likewise, let God’s generosity wash over you and pour into you His goodness.