The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14
“When we offer emotional generosity to others, we create the atmosphere for God to do something powerful in us and through us. I don’t always want to give others what I need.
My initial reaction is often to give others what I think they deserve: a quick comeback, a nasty look, an unforgiving heart. None of these things have ever brought me anything I needed…
Emotional stinginess is easy, and it comes pretty natural to most of us. It starts as kids. Why is sharing such an impossible concept to teach a two-year-old? Like us, they are born with a sin nature pulling them toward themselves…
Giving others what we need is bravery and kindness mixed together. In my opinion it’s the greatest form of generosity…When I give others what I need, I’m sowing another life-giving seed.”
Nicki Koziarz in 5 Habits of a Woman Who Doesn’t Quit (Nashville: B&H Publishing, 2016) 127-128.
My mom shared this quote with me. I love it!
While I hope depicts all of us, it reminds me of the kindness my mom extends to hurting clients at the crisis pregnancy center, or the tenderness that my wife shows toward those with whom she daily meets as a spiritual director. They both fill themselves with the love of Christ then dispense “emotional generosity” richly.
It also describes Randy and Debbie Discher, dear friends with whom I stayed last night in Andover, Minnesota. They became flesh and dwelled among the folks here long ago and were just honored for 30 years (that is not a typo!) of pastoral ministry at Constance Free Church. Now there’s an emotionally generous couple!
As I explore God’s generosity toward us, I am reminded that God did not send help. He came. And when He came, He did not give us what we deserved but exactly what we needed, grace and truth. Let’s all go and do likewise!