Be Generous
And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. Matthew 5:41
Generosity! It is the ultimate example of what our God is. He is extreme generous in all the He is and does. His love is overflowingly generous in that He didn’t even spare His only son to show how much He loves us all. He never holds back and His desire is that we would be that kind of example to the lost world around us.
Jesus tells us in this section of Matthew 5, to give what we are asked for and beyond. He encourages us to always go the extra mile. Whatever you think you can do easily, stretch beyond that point to become excessive in all we do for others.
Whether it is helping someone out financially or giving of material possessions, always go above and beyond what is requested. We should always have the mentality of exceeding the expectation. You can even go as far as returning things in better condition after you have used or borrowed something. This is the God way of doing things.
Here is the list of things that Jesus taught in these five verses:
- Do not resist an evil person
- When slapped on one cheek, offer the other cheek
- If someone wants your shirt, offer your coat too
- Anyone who wants to borrow from you do not turn them away or consider if they will pay you back
The way I approach this is with love. I consider giving of any kind, a gift of love. I don’t worry about if I will be treated right or appreciated. Love is my motivation, so it doesn’t matter who or what the circumstances are. It is not about who the person receiving is, it is all about who I am. I cannot be offended because I expect nothing in return. I like to use the verse in Romans 13 that says own no man anything but to love them. I know this verse is talking about staying out of debt financially, but I believe it is relevant to consider that because of God’s great love for me and the world, I own that love to the world around me and therefore I choose to be a generous lover of all people!
Today I want to encourage you to be generous. Be generous with your time. Be generous with your resources and be generous with your love for others. Show the world around you how great and loving your Heavenly Father is by being that example of love to everyone you meet. Let the love of God abound in your richly and be a generous giver to your world.
Today’s scripture reading: Matthew 5:38-42
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’
39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.
40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also.
41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two.
42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
The Daily Dose 