THE GENEROSITY OF GOD
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (NIV)
He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?
Romans 8:32 (NIV)
I can’t imagine giving my son into the hands of cruel people, knowing they would kill him. Brutally. Yet that’s what God did to His Son. He saw the world's desperate need and gave without question or hesitation. He gave in abundance—more than we can fully comprehend or repay.
I wish I lived with a greater remembrance and awareness of God's feelings toward me. I think I would fear less and love more. I would experience a greater sense of awe and wonder. And even more, if I lived in a more continual experience of God’s incredible generosity, my giving would be filled with grace.
This makes me think of our neighbors. We live in a small subdivision, and houses are very close to each other. It’s not uncommon to see people walking up and down the street, walking their dogs, and talking with each other. I usually offer a smile and a wave, but I wonder what would happen if I went beyond small talk and offered them attention and generosity the way God does.
Today, remember that we are loved by a God who never stops giving. Let’s also remember that people all around us need God’s unending love. As caregiver Tracie Braylock writes, You are deeply and unconditionally loved by God, and your ability to love others is an extension and demonstration of your relationship with Him.
APPLICATION: Who are you praying for? Who are the specific people God has put in your path that He’s leading you to love and care for? Name specific people and begin looking for intentional ways to express the unending generosity of God.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for giving us the amazing gift of salvation. I pray You’d deepen my awareness of just how good You are. Bring specific people across my path and help me show them Your generous love. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?