The Apostle Paul references it in his epistle to the Romans, chapter 12. He dictates these words from God, starting with verse 6. “Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.” Verse 7c informs us that “the one who contributes, should do so in generosity.”
Generosity is a gift of the Spirit of God and we are to practice it. Whether you learned from a model or not, generosity is a gift that God gives to His Church for our own good and for the good of others.
However you express your generosity, if you had to put it into words, what would you write or say? What would you tell others?
Actions of generosity often speak for themselves. There is another gift that is associated with generosity. In Romans 12:8a God’s Word tells us about the benefit of exhortation (encouragement) in generosity. Putting generosity in your own words helps accomplish this encouragement that often, if not always, precedes God’s gift of generosity in others.
Have you talked with your family or friends about generosity? This is not to suggest that you brag about it, but rather that you ‘encourage’ or ‘exhort’ those under your care or influence to hear your own witness.
For information on how you can give to the Lord’s work through direct gifts, annuities, wills, life income and trust agreements, contact Craig Stirtz, Gift Planning Counselor for the Nebraska District at firstname.lastname@example.org, or by phone at 888-643-2961, extension 1002; or Joyce Bruha, assistant for gift planning, at email@example.com, or extension 1011.
Romans 12: 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: . . . 8the one who (encourages) exhorts, in his (encouragement) exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal . . . .