And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” 
(Acts 20:35 NLT)

One the signs of becoming spiritually mature is by your level of giving. We have noticed over the last thirty years that the most blessed people we know are givers. They rarely talk about it, they don’t advertise it, nor do they boast about it. They just do it. They are givers—it’s what they do, it’s who they are, and they are blessed because of it. They are the first to pick up the check at the restaurant, they look for ways to be generous, they are tithers, and they are quick to give when there is an opportunity to give in a special offering at church.

Giving for them is a lifestyle. It’s not a burden, it’s a joy. They understand the principle of seedtime and harvest. They get the biblical concept that they reap what they sow. It’s what makes their lives full of adventure, because they hold loosely to the things of this earth.

The Bible talks a lot about being generous. In Isaiah 32:8 it tells us that, “…generous people plan to do what is generous and they stand firm in their generosity.” It’s a great challenge to all of us to be intentional in our giving, to plan for ways that we can give, and then let our giving define who we are. To “stand firm” in your generosity just means that your building your life on your giving, not your getting.

Does your generosity define you? Would you like it to? Would you be known by the people in your life as been generous, or are you a tight wide? Do you look for ways to bless others or are you looking to get blessed? It’s really not hard; it’s just a choice, a choice to be generous, a choice to be a giver. When you do you experience what Jesus was talking about when He said, “it’s more blessed to give than receive.” So start today, and buy a friend a cup of coffee; pick up that tab today at lunch with your co-workers. Go ahead and start planting generosity seeds and see how your life will be blessed.

Prayer: Father, help me to be more generous, to look for ways everyday to give to others. I want to be known by my generosity. In Jesus' Name. Amen.