“When someone asks you for something, give it to him; when someone wants to borrow something, lend it to him.” – Matthew 5:42, Good News Bible

Years ago, I worked at a child care organization that pools small contributions from thousands of individual sponsors to implement community development projects that benefit the entire communities where the sponsored children live.

There is one particular child that I will always remember. In one of the letters to his American sponsor, the child asked her if it was possible to send him a colored TV.

The sponsor, an old nun in a convent, replied that she didn’t have a TV either, as she had sold everything so she could help poor children in Africa.

In our meditation today, our Lord Jesus challenges us to nurture a generous mindset.

Our version today says “when” not ‘if’ someone asks you for something.

That implies that it’s a matter of time before someone approaches you with a genuine and urgent need.

The message our Lord is communicating is that we should cultivate a generous, unselfish and compassionate heart, which is always ready and willing to lend a hand to the one that approaches us.

In other words, we should learn to prioritize others’ needs over our own.

In the New Testament, giving is not merely about following rules as was the case in the Old Testament; it is about having a generous heart that is ready to respond when and where needed.

When you have a generous heart, resources such as money, property, etc, cease to possess or be part of you; you own them, so nothing is too big to be given away when necessary.

And even when you don’t have much yourself, you find it easy to sacrifice and do something about the needs and struggles of others.  

Indeed, many times we refrain from being generous because we’re greedy – we feel as if we don’t have enough ourselves.

However, contentment is what makes generous people inclined to share what they have with others.

Are you blessed with a generous spirit?

Paradoxically, those who are generous also never seem to lack.

But generosity isn’t merely about material possessions.

If someone genuinely needs your time or energy to help with something using your skills or expertise or knowledge, would you be willing to offer a helping hand?

Sadly, some religious leaders have made a complete mockery of giving – using it as an avenue for self-enrichment through coercion, manipulation and outright extortion.

Some teach that a Christian should strictly give into church coffers only and must never give ‘God’s money’ to parents, relatives or other Christians in need.

I think such a spirit is not of God at all. It is the spirit of Mormon.

The Bible says “God loves a cheerful giver.”

True generosity gives freely, without duress or the expectation of reciprocation or reward.

Are you blessed with a generous spirit?

Cultivating a generous mindset is a journey, not a destination.

Over time, generous people are those who have learned to put themselves in other peoples’ shoes to understand their struggles.

Generous people are often approachable and accessible people.

They are not hidden away behind high walls and tinted windows – totally oblivious of the needs around them.

Additionally, generous people are modest enough to downplay their contributions and generally avoid seeking recognition for the help they give – only considering the needs of others as opportunities to serve God and humanity.

Most importantly, they are adaptable and willing to adjust their own plans or budgets so as to accommodate the needs of others.

Today, God is challenging us to cultivate a generous character so as to make a positive impact on the community and society as a whole.