“ Biblical generosity is not transactional , where we give with an expectation of getting something in return .”
needs someone to listen . they could never have afforded on their own .
A coworker has a project due , but a family member just died . He needs someone to help complete the work so he can spend time with his family .
A church member is moving into a new apartment and needs some people to help load and unload the truck .
“ Biblical generosity is not transactional , where we give with an expectation of getting something in return .”
An acquaintance mentions feeling hopeless . It ’ s obvious she needs to hear about Jesus .
Messy generosity will change your plans on a regular basis .
Generosity means giving without expecting a return
My friend Laura had a growing family . After their third child , it became apparent they needed a larger automobile to accommodate their family . Laura ’ s husband is a pastor , and like many pastors , he doesn ’ t make a lot of money . They don ’ t complain . God called them to ministry for the mission , not the money .
But the need remained .
A family saw their need and decided to act . They provided Laura and her family with a van
Laura and her husband will likely never be able to repay them .
In our world , giving often comes with expectations . The expectation of return may not surface immediately , but it can rear its ugly head at some point in the future .
“ It would be nice if the Smiths watched our dog . We did it for them .”
“ Why wouldn ’ t the Browns offer to cover the meal ? We paid for them last time .”
“ I got her a gift . I can ’ t believe she didn ’ t get me one .” “ They owe me .”
But the generosity we find in the Bible is different . The Samaritan didn ’ t expect his good deed to be repaid . He did it because it was the right thing to do . Biblical generosity is like that .
Biblical generosity is not transactional , where we give with an expectation of getting something in return . It is very one-sided . And it can be messy .
Generosity looks like being taken advantage of
Anthony told me one of his generosity stories . One day , he received a text from Michael , one of his old friends who lived several states
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