Today’s Bible Verse
He said, “I tell you the truth. This poor widow gave only two small coins. But she really gave more than all those rich people. The rich have plenty; they gave only what they did not need. This woman is very poor, but she gave all she had. And she needed that money to live on.”
Luke 21:3-4 (ICB)
Uncommon Generosity
In Luke 21:1-4, Jesus teaches us the true measure of generosity. He and His disciples are sitting in church and they are watching many people putting in big, exuberant amounts into the offering. But then He saw a widow give two measly small coins. He then tells His disciples that this woman gave more than everyone else. I am sure they all had puzzled looks on their faces and that’s when Jesus revealed the true measure of generosity. He reveals to us that generosity is not measured by the big, exuberant amounts that one can give, rather generosity is measured in the little that we hold back. This woman gave all that she had which is why Jesus called her generosity UNCOMMON!
Whenever I read this passage in the Bible, it always reminds me of my Grandma Linda. She recently went on to be with the Lord but this is a life lesson that I will always remember from her. Even though she might not have known it at the time, she modeled for me “Uncommon Generosity.” Growing up in the conditions we were in, we seemingly never had much to give but Grandma always found a way to share what we did have to those in need. Sometimes it was my friends coming over to the house who were hungry and we shared a meal with them. Other times it may have been a simple ride to the grocery store for a neighbor who did not have a car. She never ceased to help others with the seemingly little that we had. I love you Grandma, see you again one day but until then I will continue to live strong for Jesus being as generous as I can like you taught me to. (Rick Abordo)
An Uncommon Life
Most times when people hear the word generosity they immediately think about money. While it is true, oftentimes we can be generous by giving of our money, we can also be generous by giving other things. A generous giver is one who gives when they seemingly can’t afford to give at that time. So it could be the giving of your time, maybe you are on your way somewhere probably late for an appointment but someone really needs to talk to you. Are you able to give them that time? Or it could be your attention, maybe after a long day of work you get home and your child needs help with their homework. Are you able to give them that attention? Or it could be an act of service, maybe helping your spouse with some chores that they typically do. Whatever it is, to walk in this UNCOMMON LIFE that God has for us it will take living a lifestyle of UNCOMMON GENEROSITY. Giving all that we can to Him and to others, even when we seemingly can’t afford to and He promises us that as we water others we ourselves will be watered (see Proverbs 11:25).
Let’s take some time to reflect and answer this question, “How can I be more generous to others in my daily life?”
Today’s Declaration
Lord, I repent for not giving all that I could. From this day forward I will give my ALL to YOU and to those you have called me to give to. I will walk in a lifestyle of UNCOMMON GENEROSITY gladly giving of my time, my attention, my finances and anything else You ask of me and I know that as I water others I myself will be watered by You.
Today’s Bible Reading
- Old Testament: Numbers 15-17; Psalms 54
- New Testament: Matthew 23:13-24; Romans 5:12-21
