National Generosity Network, India: Generosity defined

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Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-4

“Generosity is a response of love in recognizing God’s ownership of all things, and His grace to us in giving salvation and blessings, and this generosity leads to a positive view of people and situations resulting in putting others before self and sharing of time, money, and resources.”

National Generosity Network, India definition of “generosity” in Generosity Through The Bible (Chennai: Lifeoscope, 2018) 3.

The Generosity Summit 3.0 in Chennai has been a rich, learning experience for me. I received this booklet and deeply appreciate this definition. Let me expound on three elements of it.

That “generosity is a response of love” reminds us that our generosity finds its roots in God’s generosity to us. How has God been generous to you today? Give thanks for material and spiritual blessings.

God forms in us a “positive view of people and situations” as we realize that God has saved and blessed us to love and serve others. Who might you minister to today? As a conduit for God, scatter His kindness.

In “putting others before self and sharing of time, money, and resources” we appear with humility like our Lord Jesus Christ. What can you share with those around you? Put to work whatever you have.

So far, my brothers and sisters in Christ here in India are teaching me about the “materiality” of loving generosity. Jesus desires that we dispense the love of God in tangible, selfless ways to people. Will you?