My husband and his mother are the most generous souls I have ever encountered. I recall one day asking God to make me like them. Since then, I have taken mental notes of characteristics that generous people possess.
First, the generous person is fearless. Could it be because they have a perfect love that casts out fear? (1 John 4:18) They are unafraid that what they are giving away will mean a deficit for them. Their free-hearted giving seems almost reckless at times, but they genuinely believe it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). They cannot seem to rest until they have served someone through giving. Do you know anyone like this?
Second, generous people possess a beautiful faith. They believe that God will fill the void their giving created. They don’t worry that their resources will dry up. The apostle Paul assured some poor and needy but extravagantly generous people of this very truth. These believers begged for the priviledge of giving out of their meager resources and when they did, Paul wrote to them, “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed….” (2 Corinthians 9:8) In other words, generous people recognize that giving is the best means of getting. Isn’t this contrary to human nature? We think hoarding is the way to meeting our needs, but the loving heart of God cannot resist refilling a void made through generosity. Isn’t that beautiful?
Third, generous folks don’t worry about whether they get payed back. There is a peacefulness to their generosity that is absent of record-keeping. To them, the act of giving is its own reward.
Finally, generous people live an exciting life because they have a front row seat to see the many creative ways God comes through for them. They know God is going to provide, they just don’t know how. When He does, they rejoice and then joyously share what they receive with others because they believe receiving is best enjoyed when shared.
Are you a generous person? What things stand in the way of your being so? How do you want to ask God to help you be a more giving person?