The world is pretty good at clinging. Clinging to time, resources, and let’s not forget those last few fries at the bottom of the bag. It’s a “mine, mine, mine” mindset that’s kind of like a toddler who doesn’t want to share their toys.
But what if we lived differently? What if we dared to loosen our grip, living open-handed in a world of closed fists? As followers of Christ, we are called to mirror His heart of generosity, a heart that overflowed even in the face of rejection and need.
Generosity is not merely an act; it is a posture, a way of being. It begins with an awareness that everything we have—our time, resources, and talents—is ultimately a gift from God. “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8). Generosity isn’t just about giving money. Sure, writing a check is great, but true generosity involves the heart. It’s about offering your time, your attention, and sometimes, yes, even your parking spot at church when someone swoops in from the opposite direction.
The Bible gives us countless examples of open-handed living. Jesus Himself didn’t just teach generosity; He modeled it, whether that meant feeding the 5,000, healing the sick, or patiently answering the disciples’ never-ending questions. My favorite, though, comes from 2 Corinthians 9:7, where Paul writes, “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.”
Let’s focus on that word “cheerful.” Too often, Christians do show a generous heart, but not for the right reasons or while in the right mindset. Generosity isn’t meant to be a begrudging obligation. It’s meant to spring from a heart so filled with gratitude that giving feels like an instinct.
I know this all sounds easier said than done. Just be generous. But how exactly do we do that? I have a couple starting points for you:
- Start Small: You don’t need a billionaire’s bank account to be generous. Start by buying a coffee for a coworker, leaving an encouraging note, or helping a neighbor in need
- Be Creative: Generosity doesn’t always look like dollars and cents. Babysit for that exhausted parent. Bake cookies for a friend. Send an unexpected text of encouragement.
- Make it Intentional: Schedule your generosity. I know that sounds weird, but sometimes we need a reminder, otherwise our best intentions fall off the radar. Set aside time, resources, or skills to share. Make it a family habit, involving your kids in acts of kindness so they, too, learn to live open-handed.
- Trust God: Here’s the main thing: generosity requires faith. Faith that God will provide for your needs even when you give sacrificially.
So, here’s the main idea when going head-to-head with a closed-fist world: release your grip, open your hands, and watch how God uses your generosity to transform not just others, but your own heart as well. And remember, when you live open-handed, you just might discover that God’s hands are bigger than yours.
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As we approach Giving Tuesday on December 3, here is just one opportunity to practice generosity: Medi-Share’s Extra Blessings fund. Extra Blessings is a great way for others to help members financially whose bills may be ineligible for sharing. Would you prayerfully consider opening your hand to others today?
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