Do you know anyone who doesn’t like a generous person? Anyone who would rather go out to dinner with a miser? Do you think it would be fun to be friends with someone who never shared, never was considerate?

No, we like being with people who have open hands and who are generous because the opposite of generous is selfish. And selfish people don’t attract others.

Jesus tells the story of a man who helped a Samaritan, a man who was despised by others, a social outcast, and yet this man helped him. Beyond that, he took him to a hotel, put him in a room, and paid for the hotel nights and meals. That’s generous.

Generosity is love in action.

“Some people are always greedy for more, but the godly love to give” – Proverbs 21:26

Do you remember someone who was generous towards you?

I remember the Howells who took me as a 17-year-old, made me feel safe and wanted. She made my sandwiches for lunch every day. Or I think of the Noseworthys who took me when I was visiting Mississauga, knowing I was there to see Wendy. And Coley Jackson, who encouraged me to trust God in following our calling. Or Colonel Joe Craig, who picked me up and took me to Harbour LIght to do services there. I think of Jean Cole, who looked after Jason in those early days in Listowel and loved our family so much. And I think of the many others who loved our kids over the years – Bob Simper, the Rowans, and more.

And we have enjoyed the generosity of my parents, Wendy’s Mom, our grandmothers, who helped us financially when our backs were to the wall or they saw a need and filled it.

I think of my friend Doug, who has called regularly to just check in – to pray with me, for my family and me.

Generosity comes in so many forms – words of encouragement can be done with generosity.

God give us a generous spirit.