God’s Heart of Generosity
Posted by Sandy in Blessed Life, Christian Living, Finances/money, God's ways, joy, Tithes & Offerings, tags: 2 Peter, Deuteronomy, Hebrews, Luke, Romans
In our last blog in the Living God’s Heart series, we looked at how very generous God is to us while we are here on earth. We focused on 2 Peter 1:3 –
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. (NLT)
His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness. (NLT)
2 Peter 1:3a (NLT)
There’s more to that verse and we’ll look at it in a future blog, but today I want to look more at the generous nature of our God.
He has given us everything we need to live lives that honor and glorify Him while we are here on this earth. What a gift!
But He didn’t stop giving there. His giving is not just for this life, but for all eternity.
Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
Romans 5:2 (NLT)
Literally, God has brought us to “where we now stand” – He has given us the undeserved privilege of living in His presence, of receiving everything we need to live godly lives, of receiving His kingdom here on earth. “And” we will one day share in God’s glory.
There is not a word or series of words large and grand enough to convey the depths, the heights and the breadths of God’s giving. He will share His glory with us for all eternity. And we’ve done nothing to earn or deserve. It is an undeserved privilege for those who love the Lord.
God doesn’t hoard anything – not His love, not His Kingdom, and not His glory.
When we’re living God’s heart, our lives reflect His generous nature. When we’re living God’s heart we’re:
- Giving to those that don’t deserve it.
- Giving above and beyond.
- Taking pleasure or joy in giving.
The Sacrifice of Giving
It would seem that there is no question that giving is a sacrifice. When I give, I must give up something. Even so, it is a sacrifice that reflects God’s heart. Hebrews tells us that it is a sacrifice that pleases Him:
And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.
Hebrews 13:16 (NLT)
Giving is a joyful sacrifice – one that brings joy to the Father, joy to the giver and joy to the one who receives.
In this way, giving is truly not a sacrifice – it brings us joy. It might be seen more appropriately as a trade – I will trade this thing that I am giving away for the joy I will receive! How wonderful for God to consider that a sacrifice! How wonderful that He rewards that sacrifice:
Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the LORD your God will bless you in everything you do.
Deuteronomy 15:10 (NLT)
The Old Testament teaches that when we give generously and God will bless everything you do.
Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.
Luke 6:38 (NLT)
Jesus taught us that when we give generously, we will receive generously.
God’s very nature is to give generously. He gives for this life and for the life to come, going so far as to giving us the privilege of sharing in His glory! Whew! Honestly, I can’t imagine that.
I can’t imagine it, but I trust it! So I choose to give generously in this life. Sacrificially…because I know that any sacrificial giving – no, all sacrificial giving – is simply a downpayment on the joy I will bring to the Father, the recipient of my gifts, my family and myself.
Give and it will be given to you.
Give and you will receive.
Live God’s heart in your world today.
Entries (RSS)