Welcome to Three-Peat Tuesday! Generous
Building from my recent book UNBEATABLE! Seven Pillars of Personal Excellence, each blog will contain three P’s: Pillar, Principle, and Practical, all geared towards nourishing you on your personal and spiritual growth journey.
Pillar: Be Generous
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbour, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”-when you already have it with you.”-Proverbs 3:27-28
Principle: Be Generous Today
“Sorry sir, I have no money on me right now.” None whatsoever? Really? Did you even check your pocket, purse or wallet?
If you’re anything like me, you probably have rattled off an automatic “No” to a beggar who asked you for some “small change.” Sadly, I’ve often done so without first verifying whether I actually did or did not have money. Clearly, the issue for me was not the absence or presence of cash, but the condition of my heart towards the poor and needy.
Hebrew wisdom literature instructs us to be generous and to do so without procrastination. We must do good to each other, in words as well as in action, especially if you have the capacity to build others up with kind acts of grace.
Money. Tools. Kitchen appliances. Clothes. Maybe, even your vehicle! Our hearts get tested when requests are made of us to part with things we treasure. Whether it is a short-term loan or a permanent donation, we can feel challenged by those who want access to what we own.
While there are healthy boundaries to be drawn when it comes to lending, the truth is that our world, especially now, is thirsty for generous hearts. Fires, storms, floods and a global pandemic have created myriad needs. Add to that the fact that it’s Christmas time, the season of giving. The next time you are inclined to say “No”, check first. Both your heart and your pockets.
Practical: Be Generous Everyday
Especially if you own or drive your own vehicle, pack extra things to give away as go from place to place. You probably own more things than you need.
If you were inspired by this blog, please consider sharing it with one other person today. To learn more about these pillars of personal excellence, read UNBEATABLE! which is now available on Amazon in print and as an e-book.
This Post Has 6 Comments
This is very convicting, Tyrone. I appreciate the practical to be generous everyday.
Something I started doing earlier on this year was to change $100 bill into five and ten dollar bills, so that I can give to beggars who approach me. This helped move my heart. I actually looked forward to giving, but since moving out of Port of Spain and having to work from home, I dropped the ball. There’s really no excuse for not giving, and it’s not just to beggars. In fact, my goal now is to look for needs, so I can try to meet them.
And yes, I do own more things than I need, so I will start by giving away my excess.
I love that practice you developed Ronke. It’s the sign of a giving heart. I am confident that you will find creative ways to keep showing generosity, because this is who you are on the inside.
Thanks Tyrone and Ronke. I too have often mumbled, “I don’t have change” when I haven’t even looked. I have decided to change that as my husband’s generosity has challenged me but I am often afraid that onlookers will call me foolish or stupid for giving to beggars. Please pray that I will remember Jesus’ much spoken command to “Fear not!”. Thanks again.
Thank you for sharing, Janelle. I know exactly what that feels like, as I often am too concerned about how others view my conduct. I, too, am learning to free myself from the opinion of others and to prioritize divine approval over human approval.
Thanks Tyrone. I will definitely be looking for ways in which I can be generous especially this Christmas season.
Wonderful Sandrea.