EquippedMama

A benevolent person leaves an inheritance for his grandchildren,

but the wealth of a sinner is stored up for the righteous.

Proverbs 13:22

Do not withhold good from those who need it,

when you have the ability to help.

Do not say to your neighbor,

“Go! Return tomorrow and I will give it” when you have it with you at the time.”

Proverbs 3:27-28

Not my finest moment.

I knew we were having houseguests. We had invited them over. I had even made the lasagna that morning so that I wouldn’t be stressed out. But when I looked out the front window and saw an unfamiliar car in the driveway a whole hour before my visitors were supposed to arrive, I was far from hospitable. And, like any red-blooded, entitled-feeling mother would do, I grabbed my phone and dialed my husband, asking if he knew of any good reason our missionary friends would come early to our house.

They didn’t come to the door, and in my nervous frenzy, I decided to use this time for what I assumed to be last-minute preparations. Quickly, I changed and threw together the sides that I had planned on leisurely assembling in the following forty-five minutes. I guess my little girl figured out that I was stressed because she suddenly was no longer content with playing independently. She was needy. I was needy, irritable, and anything but hospitable.

The Proverbs yet again hit on a challenging topic: generosity.

We are not talking about the kind of generosity we muster up for a family member at a life milestone. This is not the sort of generosity that wraps cute packages at Christmastime with matching bows, ribbons, and tags. Those types of generosity are good, but pre-meditated generosity often seems easier to accomplish (with a good attitude) because we are able to fit it into our schedules, write it into our planners, and make allowances for it with our budgets. Type A Mamas, can I get an amen?

The Proverbs call us to a lifestyle of generosity, whether the commodity be our money, time, convenience, or emotions. As people that love the Lord, we are called to be Mamas that give, and generously.

Our example for this type of generous giving is Jesus Christ, who, although it was not pleasant, convenient, or personally beneficial, gave his very life to die for us, and offer us the free gift of Salvation (Romans 5:8). He emptied himself, took on human flesh and bore our sins so we could be restored to a right standing with God the Father (Philippians 2:7, Isaiah 53:4-6). This is the Lord that we serve. This is the one who modeled generosity to the fullest measure.

Not only do we have a role model of ultimate generosity, but we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and given the grace to give as we ought to. Paul encourages us to that end in his second letter to the Corinthians when he says;

My point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work.

2 Corinthians 9:6-8

So, what does practical boots-on-the ground generosity look like when your house is a mess, you’re wearing a baby-pee soaked t-shirt, and your little one is screaming as an unexpected guest arrives an hour early? (I actually wasn’t wearing a pee-soaked shirt, but this is a very plausible situation).

First, recognize what you own. Generosity must come from a place of knowing that all your resources are not, in fact yours. It is God who gives us everything we have, or believe that we have; our very life breath is a gift from the Lord (Acts 17:25). If you struggle with being a generous person, perhaps the root issue is that you still believe that your resources are yours to give. Try identifying what resource is most difficult for you to share with others and ask the Lord to show you if it has become an idol in your life. Ask for opportunities to share it with others, and ask that the Lord will make you relinquish your grasp over this area.

Second, seek to become a more grateful person. This is important because giving thanks in every situation is God’s will for you! (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Additionally, thanksgiving is meant to be the means by which we present our requests to God (Philippians 4:6). With an attitude of thanksgiving we are able to filter our responses through the lens of God’s goodness. Next time you are tempted to be selfish, try thanking God for that situation, person, or experience. It just might change your perspective.

Finally, put on the armor of God.

Really.

Recognize that the flesh wants you to be stingy in building relationships that could lead to sharing the Gospel.

Your selfishness would be better appeased if you spent money on a new pair of shoes, rather than helping a friend in need.

Your generosity of time might be the opportunity the Lord gives you to lift someone out of depression, call them from their sin, or demonstrate his goodness.

Recognize that our struggle is not against flesh and blood (or a strained bank account, lack of time, a messy house or a needy toddler) but “against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.” (Ephesians 6:11 b). So when you are tempted to respond to a situation with selfishness and reject the opportunity for generosity, put on the armor provided for you (Ephesians 6:10-18). Ask the Lord to give you his vision for the significance of this situation and the opportunity he has presented.

So, whether its a friend interrupting naptime with a crisis, or someone asking you to sacrifice your much-needed night out for last minute babysitting, relinquish your rights, give thanks, and in the strength God provides, ask the Lord to give you the power to give generously.