3 minute read
GENEROSITY IN HARD TIMES
DEVOTIONAL
As stewards of the Lord, no matter what is going on in the world or the economy, we should always reflect the nature of our God and thus be generous. It is even more important to model generosity in every possible way during hard times and all the greater this challenging Christmas season. Following are six stewardship insights from Abraham’s experience that we can apply to be generous stewards this Christmastime and for such an unprecedented period of difficulty we are in:
ONE.
In Genesis 12, God told Abram to go to a new land. Abram obeyed and took his nephew, Lot, with him. Lot’s father had died, and this was an incredible act of generosity on Abram’s part. God may be leading you in the spirit of Christmas generosity, to care for people, such as elderly parents or a family in crisis, in the same way, that Abram cared for Lot.
TWO.
Abram showed generosity by giving Lot the first choice of the land (Genesis 13:10-13). Has God called you to be generous with another member of your family as you divide an estate? Or, are you being called to forgive someone who took advantage of you in a past estate settlement or legal transaction?
THREE.
When Lot was captured, Abram rescued him. Lot's foolish behavior had cost him everything, but Abram loved him anyway. Read Genesis 14:13-16. This Christmastime, we should be willing to serve, help, and be generous to those in need—even those who have been foolish.
FOUR.
As a result of rescuing Lot, Abram and his servants captured treasures that had been stolen. From these treasures, Abram gave a tithe to Melchizedek, king of Salem, who was a “priest of God Most High” (Genesis 14:18-20). Abram knew and has never forgotten that everything he had came from God. Has God called you to have a greater focus in supporting His Kingdom and funding the mission of making disciples?
FIVE.
Abram gave back all the captured treasures except what his men needed for refreshment. Read Genesis 14:24. If you’re an employer, be generous to your employees during this period of time. Share your company’s victories and blessings with them, and let them know you couldn’t make it without them.
SIX.
In Genesis 14, verses 22 to 24, Abram gave back all the captured treasures to the King of Sodom. Has God called you to be generous even with those who don’t deserve your generosity at this time of the year?
May we remember Abram’s model for generosity as we commemorate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, and celebrate the spirit of Christmas under such challenging times our world is in. When we are generous, we not only step into the blessing of God, we reflect our beneficent God, who gave everything in and through His Son to save you and me. Merry CHRIST-mas to everyone!
By Pr. Gerry Pasikatan Ontario Conference Stewardship Director
