What Should I Expect When I'm Generous?

Luke 6:38 NIV says, "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." This verse speaks to the importance of giving and the rewards that come from a generous spirit.

Giving is often seen as selfless, but as Luke 6:38 NIV suggests, it is also a way of receiving. When we give, we make a deposit into the bank of Heaven, so to speak. We are sowing seeds of generosity that will reap rewards in the future.

This verse also emphasizes the importance of our mindset when it comes to giving. We are called to give generously, not sparingly. We are called to give with joy, not begrudgingly. When we give with a generous spirit, we will receive a generous reward in return.

However, this verse is not a call to give with the expectation of receiving something in return. Rather, it reminds us that God sees our generosity and rewards us accordingly. When we give with a pure heart, we are storing up treasures in Heaven that cannot be taken away.

Furthermore, the rewards we receive from giving are not always material. The act of giving can bring us joy, peace, and a sense of purpose. It can also strengthen our relationships with others as we share our resources and time with those in need.

Real talk though, how do I give generously, knowing I'm giving more than I can spare without expecting something in return? This seems so paradoxical in meaning. God says, "Give Generously, and He will give to you, but don't do it expecting something." What?!?! 

Let me put forth a possible obstacle to understanding this passage. We only see what is right in front of us, we might try to look forward to Heaven, but it's hard. Because we are looking at the here and now, we miss the value of the treasure that comes once we reach Heaven. There are real and tangible benefits to being generous here on earth. But, the majority of our reward will not be found on this earth. So the question becomes, what are you looking for? Are you looking for only earthly benefits, or are you seeking something greater?

My challenge for us this week is to shift our perspective.

Instead of looking at Generosity as something I HAVE to do, lets try to shift our mindset to this is something I GET to do.

Our ability to do that will be based on TRUST. 

Do we trust the God we claim to serve in His promises about this subject or not? 

Further, do we trust the earthy places and people we choose to be generous to?

Once we answer these questions then our path becomes significantly easier. 

With Love,

Josh Tufte