God’s Goodness in Generosity [Day 7]

By Carmen Reese

And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. (2 Corinthians 8:1-4 NIV)

I really love this passage! I have experienced the goodness of God in lack and plenty. In life I have had an abundance, and I have also had very little. Having experienced both, I have seen the goodness and generosity of God.

Our family motto evolved from these times: “We are the Reeses. We love Jesus; we are His hands in action; we are kind; we are generous and look out for the lonely.” Boy, have we experienced these in unexpected ways. God brings opportunities to be generous into my everyday circumstances, and it has given me so much joy!

In the past week, I’ve seen the beauty of Jesus displayed. I was going to the grocery store, and I saw a woman drive erratically into the parking lot. She nearly hit me, and when she jumped out of her car, at that moment I noticed her distress. I quickly got out of my car to see if she was okay. She pulled out a limp, blue baby. It became evident that the child had been choking and was no longer breathing. I immediately prayed with her, and the baby came back to life. We both cried. I stayed with her until she was calm enough to drive. “Now that was the goodness of God,” I thought, “always generous, always merciful.”

With all the misery brought on by the coronavirus, we then began praying about ways to help families in need. The very next day it was announced that our Kalos community was seeking volunteers to help a family in need. I was so excited to see how quickly God answered that prayer!

All this to say, God has lavished us. It is a joy to pay it forward. Generosity is not about what we have or don’t have. It’s about giving what we do have--our time, talent, words of encouragement, and prayers.

Prayer

Father, please help us to live a lifestyle of generosity and help us see the needs around us. Thank You for Your provision so that those of us who have more (or little) will give to one another and that none would lack in our community. In Jesus’ name, amen.