Generosity in Relationships

Bible Reading:  John 17:20-26

When we think of this word, 'generosity,' our mind thinks of only money matters.  

Generosity has a greater dimension! 

We serve a generous God, and if we are to be transformed more and more into His likeness, one of the things that must change in our hearts and minds is that we must leave the worldly ideas of selfishness, narcissism, racism, and materialism.  We must exchange those things for a spirit of kindness and generosity. 

Generosity does not just have to do with finances alone.  Finances are just one kind of currency.  There are many types of currencies, like emotional support, hospitality, time, and giving a shoulder to cry on in times of need.  A little understanding and a kind word at a time of need would mean a lot to a person in distress.  

Jesus went to the garden of Gethsemane to pray after the Last Supper and just before His crucifixion.  It was a critical time for Jesus.  Jesus told His disciples, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death … Stay here and keep watch” (Mark 14:34).  After praying for a while, Jesus went back to the disciples and found them sleeping.  Jesus' response here is amazing.  Jesus said, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation.  The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Jesus did not yell at them.  He did not shame them.  He empathized with them and found a way to give them credit despite their failure by telling them that He understood their spirits were willing, but their flesh was weak.  That's relational generosity!

Sometimes, people we live and work with may fail us miserably, but we have some choices.  We might hurt their reputation by gossiping about them.  We could harbor negativity toward them inwardly.  We can point out to others that they are the cause of the failure.  Or we could empathize with them, try to understand their predicament, and deal generously with them.  But this is not easy, and it is costly.  Generosity in a relationship hurts, but it truly reflects Christ!

My friend, generous dealings will endear people to us.  Working together is an essential aspect of kingdom-building.  That is how we can project Christ to this hurting world.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to imitate you in everything, not just in living our lives but also in dealing with others.  Amen.