now there was in joppa a disciple named tabitha, which, translated, means dorcas. she was full of good works and acts of charity. in those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. [acts 9:36-37]

 

generosity is a sign of the Spirit’s work in a disciple of Jesus.

 

all through the book of acts, generosity towards others is a sign of the Spirit’s work in disciples of Jesus.

and all who believed were together and had all things in common. and they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. [acts 2:44-45]

now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. [acts 4:32]

there was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. thus joseph, who was also called by the apostles barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a levite, a native of cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. [acts 4:34-37]

even the problem with the hellenist widows in acts 6 was due to the fact the church was generously taking care of widows in need.

 

anyone can be generous – for a moment.

generosity can come for anyone.

however, when the Spirit of the living God invades the life of a human – generosity seems to be a common work of the Spirit. it does not mean we will not struggle with the type of generosity our Lord longs to show through us. but, he will continue to push us to be generous with our time, our hearts, our physical resources, and our financial resources. why? this is WHO he is.

for you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. [2 corinthians 8:9]

 

Jesus is rich beyond measure. in other words, he is King and owner of everything.

and yet, he gives beyond measure to us so we can have him.

 

he is generous.

he is extravagant in his generosity.

this is WHO he is – extravagantly generous.

and now, he lives in you.

 

if he lives in you, the Spirit of the Living God – lives in you. where the Spirit is, there will be generosity.

if you are battling today living generous, realize WHO you are battling with – Jesus – the generous one!

submit to the Spirit and he will live generous through you.

 

for you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. [2 corinthians 8:9]

pray into this verse today.

ask the Lord, why he is so generous? why he wants to be generous through you? where he wants to be generous? and then, submit to him who gave of himself in an extravagantly generous way – so you could become rich in him. what a God! what a savior! JESUS!

 

~ john ryan