Generous

This week's Attribute of Jesus comes from Matt Townsley, one of Riverwood's elders. When not helping shepherd the Riverwood family, Dr. Townsley is being a husband to Cassy, a dad to four, and an Associate Professor of Educational Leadership as the Coordinator of EdD Educational Leadership (which is a fancy way of saying he prepares the next generation of school principals and superintendents).

When I was growing up, I received an allowance from my parents. Although it was probably just a few dollars, it seemed like a lot of money to me at the time. So much money, in fact, that I pushed back when my parents required me to set aside 10% to give in the offering plate on Sunday morning. All I could think was, “This is my money… why do I need to give some of it away?!”

Fast forward to my 20s when I heard a sermon about money in which the pastor taught on the treasure principle from Matthew 6:21: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” My mind was blown! Through discussions about this and other beatitudes from Matthew 5, 6, and 7, along with deeper reading of Scripture with others in my small group, I gained a new perspective on what generosity means: My wallet was actually God’s wallet. My money was actually His money. My time was His time. He is the Giver of all givers when it comes to time, money, and everything else in life. God is generous! And I see this attribute of generosity lived out perfectly in the life of Jesus.

Jesus the Generous

In James 1:17, we read that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” This means that a promotion at work or a smile from a friend are ultimately gifts from our Heavenly Father above. But by far, the best gift we have ever received from above was Jesus (2 Corinthians 9:15).

As we read Scripture, we see Jesus generously give of His time, energy, wisdom, and more. He gave instruction like the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5-7). He gave time and healing to a lonely, hurting woman (Mark 5:25-34). He gave food and wisdom to the listening crowd (John 6:1-13). But most of all, Jesus generously gave His life for us through the cross. The ultimate gift of eternal life is freely given to those who trust in this generous, sacrificial act of Jesus. (Romans 10:9)

I believe the generosity of Jesus should overflow to our enjoyment of Him. In 1 Timothy 6:17, Paul says, “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” God doesn't just provide for our needs—He invites us to find immense joy in what He gives, pointing our hearts back to Him. When we look to Jesus and receive His gifts with gratitude, especially our salvation through Christ, our delight becomes an act of worship and a reflection of the generous life He lived.

So my prayer for you and me is that our lives would be marked by a generous spirit that reflects the generosity of our Savior.