Be Generous | Meet The Needs Around You

Because There Are Needs All Around Us

So now that we know what we should be giving and why we should give, the question remains “who do we give to?” I once told the story of Al Hafed from the speech Acres of Diamonds. In the story Al Hafed wanted to possess diamonds so much that he travelled to far off places and ultimately died penniless, never fulfilling his quest. The next person that owned the property that Al Hafed lost discovered one of the biggest diamond finds right in the back yard. The Bible shares the same thing in Matthew 10:5-8

Don't begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don't try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.

Family

You should begin living a generous life with those that are close to you. Might I recommend your spouse, if you have one. More often than not these are the individuals that get lost in the whirlwind. We focus on the kids, on our responsibilities, we even focus on our jobs but we neglect the only person that we have a covenantal bond to. Parents live generously with your children and children live generously with your parents

Strangers

What do you do when you meet someone new? What do you do when you encounter someone you don’t know that is in need? Identify how you can be generous to those that you don’t know. I had a friend, haven’t talked with him since I’ve been back in MD, that would pay for the meals of any soldiers that he encountered while traveling. Another friend always carried extra bag lunches in his car so that when he encountered someone who was hungry he could meet their need.

Friends

Do you pray for your friends? What about your co-workers or people from your church? Do you make it a priority to talk with them, spend time with them? Be someone who lives generously for their friends and acquaintances.