Day 30: Generosity

God’s extravagant generosity was given to us freely and abundantly in Christ.

Philemon 1:6 “And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ. 

2 Corinthians 9:13 “As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.”

2 Corinthians 8:9 “You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.”

2 Corinthians 8:2 “They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.”

Proverbs 11:25 “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”

• Ask Jesus to help you cultivate an attitude of generosity. We can only cultivate this attitude empowered by the Spirit of God and in response to God’s generous grace and mercy to us. Jesus gave freely and abundantly.
• Generosity is largely about our hearts but is often associated with money. This is why people with no money at all can be generous and people who live with plenty can sometimes be the most ungenerous. Take some quiet with Christ to examine your own heart. (Matthew. 6:21)
• Our generosity reminds others of God’s generosity. Pray you would be a woman of generous forgiveness to those who fail you, a generous giver to those in need, exhibit generous kindness to those who are struggling with life, and generously welcome those who are without a place in this world. Ask God to make your life a reflection of the generous love of God in your home, church and community.
• Acknowledge before God that all you have, everything you possess really belongs to him and is a gift from Him. Where you find yourself tight fisted holding onto possessions, prayerfully ask God to help you recognize that you are simply a manager and steward of what God has entrusted to you. Jesus has made you rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). Prayerfully consider how can you share the riches of your time, talents and treasures with others.
• Take time to confess your lack of generosity. Times when you think nothing of spending money on little extravagances, knowing others are in need of water, food and clothing.  Ask forgiveness for the ways you have been inconsiderately selfish with the resources God have given you.
• Prayerfully choose to show generosity to someone today.

Julianne August, Prayer Catalyst