Be Generous

Copyright 2012: singeronthesand

Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless,

cheerfully!  Be generous with the different things God gave you,

passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be

God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help.  That way, God's

bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and

He'll get the credit as the One mighty in everything.

1 Peter 4:9-11 

I had to get gas  for my car last night.  I was amazed to discover that the price for regular had gone up to $3.48 in what seems like a matter of days.  I had heard on the evening news that prices were ascending rapidly, and are expected to reach $4.00 per gallon by the first of April, and $5.00 per gallon by June.  Today, my daughter in Maryland remarked that she also had to purchase fuel, and she paid $3.67 per gallon.  I own a very tiny car - 2-door hatchback - that only holds 10 gallons; I cannot imagine going to the pump to fill up an SUV or a truck.  This economy has a way of making one want to cinch in the belt and be a bit stingy.  But that is exactly the opposite of what God calls us to do.

One of the surprises for me in Peter's first letter to Christian believers is the amount of time and words he spends urging his fellow believers to take care of those around them.  In this passage, he is asking his friends to be generous with those around them.  Webster defines "generous" as: giving or sharing in abundance and without hesitation.  Peter is also clear that he is not talking about just money.  If all you have to share is words, make sure they are God's words.  If you can share material things, do so heartily.  No matter how lousy our life circumstance, there is someone who is far worse off than we are.  Sharing a hug or a smile, a handshake or a friendly word - all of these equal you being generous with those around you.