Generosity

It's Chinese New Year and it's a season to practise generosity.  Hence I like this article by ChristianPF - 4 Qualities of a Generous Life

1. Live a Simple Life


Those who are generous should cultivate the quality of simplicity. In other words, generous people are not always looking to build their own little earthly kingdoms with perishing goods, but rather they look to build up everlasting treasure.
Generous people look to simplify their lifestyles. It’s easy to miss opportunities to be generous when we’re overly busy.
All to often, we plunge ourselves into self-centered activities, hobbies, and endeavors and give little regard to those in need.
Don’t get me wrong, activities and hobbies are wonderful. But, my question to myself and to you is, “Are we too busy to give freely of our time and money?”
Look for areas in your life that you can scale back a bit. For example, can you cut back on going out to eat so you can give more to your church or to those in need?

2. Live Like Everything is God’s

Nothing is ours. Our houses, cars, clothes, and iPads are not ours. Sure, we bought them with money we worked for, but where did that job come from? Who gave you the health and faculties to perform your job functions?
It’s only by God’s grace that you have what you have. Everything we own is God’s. When we begin to realize that, we can start to understand the biblical concept of stewardship more easily.
We are stewards – or managers – of what God has given us. And someday, we will have to give an account.
Let’s ask ourselves, “If everything is God’s, what would he want me to do with my money and possessions?”
We already know what the answer is. Jesus says,

Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20 ESV

3. Live With Open Hearts

There are over 2,100 verses in the Bible that talks about God’s heart for the poor.
Living with open hearts simply means that we develop and cultivate a heart like God’s – one that thinks about, cares for, and is generous to, the poor, weak, and marginalized of society.
Practically speaking, we need to let the gospel sink deeply into our hearts so we have a heart like God’s and not like the world, which seeks after earthly goods.
Letting the gospel sink deeply into our hearts requires that we spend time meditating on, reading about, and thanking God for the tremendous gift in Jesus Christ that he’s given us.


4. Live With Open Hands

Living with open hands means that we have a loose grip on life. In other words, we don’t clutch tightly to our earthly goods, but rather are willing to have a loose grip on all our possessions! Learn to give!
It’s easier to do this when we view everything as God’s.
Unfortunately, many things prevent us from living with open hands. Debt is one of those things that is a major generosity killer!
Ask yourself, “What is preventing me from living with open hands?” Is it debt, greed, stinginess, or simply a lack of compassion?

Blessed day and wishing you a Happy, Healthy and Successful New Year with a deeper walk and talk !