what matters to jesus | generosity

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Luke 6:38 NIV
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap...

There is always a crowd. There are always onlookers. People who watch our lives. We may not know it but who we are can speak louder than what we say. Our values have a voice even when we’re silent.

Jesus knew this. He was always aware of the crowd. He ministered to the person in front of him, but he knew there were onlookers. And he lived and gave voice to the values of the Kingdom so everyone could understand more about the Father, more about themselves, and more about Jesus’ own purpose.

And I think if something matters to Jesus, it should matter to us, too. So I’ve identified five values Jesus shares with the crowd. This month - generosity.

Whenever there is a school holiday there are children who go hungry. These are the children who receive free school meals. No school, no meal. Our church decided we would intervene and give away free packed lunches, no questions asked, during every school holiday to anyone who needed them.

The last time we did this I posted on a Facebook group to let people know. Most responses were very positive. Except one. It said, “I hope no-one abuses it.” I didn’t reply because I didn’t think that would be helpful but I wanted to say “So what if they do? It’s a sandwich! It’s a gift. Giving without counting the cost is part of Kingdom living.”

I am not naïve; I know there are people who take advantage. But it strikes me Jesus spends a lot of his time with people just like that. From tax collectors to rich young princes, thieves to the entitled. And Jesus is not naïve; he knows the hearts of the people he deals with. Yet he gives himself anyway.

I suspect that’s why there is a promise linked to our giving. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap..." Because sometimes what we give is taken for granted, people don’t get it, it costs us… But the crowd watching us sees our generosity. Not just in the giving of sandwiches, in the giving of ourselves. And that points to Jesus.

There are things can we do this month that may cost us but will point to Jesus. Why not ask him what they are?

Until next time.

L x

PS: I wrote a book on developing resilience. It's getting great reviews and you can buy it here. I'd love to know what you think.