The Benefits of a Generous Spirit

To anyone else this pair of scissors in my sewing room looks much like any other. They are part of the cadre of tools I have to make the sewing process easier. Yet, they are not just any pair of scissors. They represent my mother’s generous spirit and giving heart.

My mother never had a great deal of money. For many decades she used the same pair of scissors to sew a variety of garments, quilts, and household items – both for our family and for others. When I was in high school, she finally had extra funds and purchased a new pair for herself. I remember how happy she was to have the cutting of fabric become so much easier.

Yet, when I left home, mom was determined that I needed scissors and basic sewing items as I too liked to sew. I would have taken the old scissors but mom insisted that I have the new ones. That was her generous spirit. She frequently would give the best of what she had. It made her happy to share what little she had to make someone else’s life better.

So, when I see those scissors and put them to use, I see God’s love in action.

The book of Proverbs reminds us of the benefits of a generous spirit:

“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25 NIV)

Generosity comes at many levels. There is the physical giving of materials to help meet the needs of another. It goes further than that with those who have a generous spirit showing care and kindness to others. We can do so much for others if we have an attitude of giving – one that puts the needs of others ahead of our own.

Scripture is clear that we benefit greatly from giving behaviours. I love the words in this verse that we will be refreshed from our generosity. It’s like getting an invigorating drink after a long hike – it is so restorative.

Generosity is not just about giving physical things. A benevolent spirit helps carry the burdens of others. It looks for needs, both spiritual and physical, and helps meet them.

A spirit of generosity is contagious. The same giving heart from my mother is evident in both my generation of the family and that of my children.

Our world is hurting. There is no end to reports of disasters, crime, and corruption. Some of us are called to make a difference on the larger stage. Others of us are called to use our generous spirits towards those in our local sphere of influence.

Words of encouragement are some of the most benevolent gifts we can give to others and they cost us nothing. Perhaps you have a coworker who is struggling. Maybe it’s your child who has

spilled something for the tenth time in a day. It could be a shut in or senior who needs to know that someone cares about them.

God gives each of us time, talents, and treasures that He expects us to share. Please consider how you can use these to make a difference in someone’s life today.

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