In the recent book, The Paradox of Generosity, the authors begin with this statement, backed by empirical data, “Generosity is paradoxical. Those who give, receive back in turn. By spending ourselves for others’ well-being, we enhance our own standing. In letting go of some of what we own, we better secure our own lives.”
Jesus said it this way, “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
Wow! This reality should cause everyone to move toward a life of generosity. Unfortunately, that is not the case. In their study, Smith and Davidson found that many Americans, “…by their own admission, live fairly ungenerous lives. They do not engage in much more than voluntary financial giving to valued organizations and good causes. They do not volunteer their time and labor to help others in need. They do not extend themselves much in relationships with their family, friends, and neighbors.”
We are missing something. Most Americans are failing to live their lives in such a way that would actually give them more of the life that they want. A life filled with more satisfaction, happiness, fulfillment and purpose. The paradox is that we get more of those things by giving more of our lives away, not by keeping things back for ourselves. It’s actually true that the more you give, the more you live.
So how can you become more Generous?
1. You must see giving as something you get to do, instead of something you have to do
Generosity is a “get to” principle. It flows from joy in the heart. Giving to others must be something that excites you. Something you look forward to and delight in. In 2 Corinthians 8:2, we hear about some poor people who were giving generously to others, “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.”
These people would not be denied the opportunity to give. They saw it as a great opportunity to be a blessing. Their hearts were filled with joy which overflowed in rich generosity. In the next chapter the Apostle Paul wrote, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
2. You must see yourself as God’s money manager
It is a mistake to think that if money comes to you, that it is for you alone. All money is God’s money. The reason he puts money in your pocket is two-fold: to take care of you and to take care of others. The apostle Paul explained it this way, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us, your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:11. You are a steward, not an owner. Randy Alcorn said it best, “God prospers you, not to increase your standard of living, but to increase your standard of giving.”
3. You must see yourself as the beneficiary
Many people struggle to be generous because if feels like a losing situation. The thought is, “If I give I lose.” It’s simply not true. King Solomon wrote, “Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:24,25
The empirical evidence backs this spiritual reality. Smith and Davidson found that “the more generous Americans are, the more happiness, health, and purpose in life they enjoy.”
4. You must see yourself as living forever
Dallas Willard wrote, “You are an unceasing spiritual being with an eternal destiny in God’s great universe.” We struggle sometimes to be generous because our focus is on this present life and not the next. We are short-sighted, so we hold on tight to money because we need it for ourselves.
But this world is not our home. The author of Hebrews explained, “For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come” Hebrews 13:14. If we are to become generous we must start living as if we will live forever. How we handle money in this life affects our next life. And the truth is you will spend the majority of your life, if you know Christ, in heaven.
Jesus gave us this instruction, “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroy them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.” In others words, invest in what will last forever. Invest in things that will pay an eternal dividend.
The question is, how do you “lay up treasures in heaven”? Paul explains, “Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.” 1 Timothy 6:18, 19
When you live generously towards others you’re making an eternal investment. How you handle resources now affects the kind of life you will have in heaven. An eternal perspective helps you to live with open hands.
How can you start becoming more generous today?
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