Living Generously

Let’s live generously, shall we?  Let’s be bighearted with our time, our resources, and dare I say it? Our money.  Let’s not hold on so tight to what we have been blessed with that we turn a blind eye to the needs around us.  Let’s not say, “Someday when I have more money, or more time, or more xxxx, I will give, help, serve.”  Let’s not become so accustomed to our way of living that we call our “wants” “needs,” and allow ungratefulness to sneak in and plant discontentment in our hearts.  Let’s not compare ourselves to our friends, our neighbors, or our coworkers.  Let us absolutely not define our worth in terms of our earthly possessions.

Let’s give until it hurts, with no strings attached.  Let’s think of others before ourselves.  Let’s not look at our day and build our agenda based on what WE think is important.

Instead, let’s wake up and say, “Lord, how can I join you in YOUR agenda for my day?  How can I be a blessing to others?  How can I share what you’ve blessed me with?”  Let’s be quick to listen and to respond to His prompting.  Let’s be observant to the needs around us!

What does this look like practically, you ask?

• Let’s go through the drive through and buy our friend a coffee, instead of one for ourselves.
• Let’s anonymously pay someone’s electric bill who we know is struggling.
• Let’s pay for a random stranger’s dinner bill in a restaurant.  
• Let’s have a yard sale and donate the profits to another family, instead of buying a new electronic device.
• Let’s sell our smartphone, go back to an archaic one, and donate the difference.
• Let’s show up at another mom’s house and watch her kids so she can go out for a little bit alone.
• Let’s give sacrificially.  Let’s think about how much we are “comfortable” giving, and then give twice that amount.
• Let’s ask Jesus how we can use our tax return to bless someone else, instead of using it on ourselves.
• Let’s find JOY IN GIVING!  Let’s not look at it as a chore or a burden, but as a blessing and a privilege!!
• Let’s not wait until we “have more money.” Let’s listen to what God’s asking of us now.

Let’s be slow to form assumptions.  Let’s be slow to accuse, and quick to give the benefit of the doubt.  Let’s try to understand. Let’s remember that God is righteous and just, and He is our defender.

Exodus 14:14 —The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.”

Let’s be quick to forgive.  Let’s extend the same grace to others that God continues to give us, though we surely don’t deserve it.  Let’s build others up.  Let’s use our tongues to encourage.  Let us not compete with each other!  For crying out loud, WE ARE ON THE SAME TEAM!

Let’s be real.  Not “Social Media” real, but “Real” real.  Let’s not make ourselves out to be better than we really are.  Let’s not portray our picture perfect family, void of struggles, messes, and challenges.  Let’s be honest.  Let’s tell it like it really is.  And let’s not criticize others along their journey.  Let’s not be afraid of being judged.  Let’s not live bound by perfectionism and fail to realize that others can often identify with us in the midst of our struggles.  

Let’s not grumble and complain when we reach roadblocks in life.  Let’s keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author of our faith.  Let’s try to keep eternal perspective.  Let’s allow our trials to build perseverance and character in us.  Let’s remember that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.  Let’s be quicker to say, “Yes, Lord,” and to trust Him.  Let’s not become discouraged.  Let’s keep our eyes ON Him and OFF of our circumstances!

Praying that everyone who reads this feels edified and encouraged today!

Much love,

Kirsten