From Recipient to Giver

He who did not spare His own Son, 

but delivered Him over for us all,

how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?

Romans 8:32

And the generosity award goes to…God!

Who could possibly out give God?  His generosity is on full display on the cross.  He did not withhold His precious Son, but the Father delivered Him over - He willingly poured out our punishment on Him for us - what greater gift could there possibly be?

So if He didn't withhold Jesus, what other good thing would He withhold from us?  I think it's interesting that Paul says "freely."  The cost for Jesus was so high that anything else in comparison is free.  Thought provoking…

So no argument from you about this, right?  God is highly generous with us and He's given the greatest gift - what would He withhold from us in light of the cross?  Spiritual gifts?  Fruits of the Spirit?  Protection or security?  His presence or His love?  These things are not sacrifices for Him - they are a joy for the Heavenly Father to give to His children.

So how about this:  Do you think we should imitate our Father and be generous, as well?  What does the Word say about generosity?

• Proverbs 11:25 - The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered
• Proverbs 22:9 - He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives some of his food to the poor
• Proverbs 19:6 - Many will seek the favor of a generous man, and every man is a friend to him who gives gifts
• I Timothy 6:18 - Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready go share…

Yes, being generous is imitating our Father, so why wouldn't we be generous?  So what can you be generous with?  your time? your money? your prayers? your mind? your hands? your food?  your creativity?  

I would love to hear ideas of how you have been generous.  I don't do this often and the comments have been few and far between, but I do know I have many generous friends who read this blog.  So if you would be willing, please post a comment with a suggestion for my readers of how to be generous.

I'd love to hear your ideas…remember, we serve a generous God.  It is not asking too much to give of yourself in an effort to give Him praise, so let's be generous children of God…

Thanks in advance!