A Heart of Generosity
This week, we have been investigating Jesus’ calling to be born again, and what it looks like when we live our lives surrendered to Jesus. Let us start today’s journey by going to God in prayer, specifically asking for the heart of generosity that He desires for us.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your precious word and how it contains all the instruction I need to live a life surrendered to You. I ask for a heart of generosity, a heart that is tender and aware of those around me in need. Father, show me how to share the love of Jesus with the people You place on my heart. Amen.
Matthew 20:29-34 (NLT)
29 As Jesus and the disciples left the town of Jericho, a large crowd followed behind. 30 Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
31 “Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them.
But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
32 When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, “What do you want me to do for you?”
33 “Lord,” they said, “we want to see!” 34 Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him.
Yesterday, we observed the compassion that Jesus modeled. Today, we are examining His generosity. For a moment, imagine that you are blind, begging daily for enough money to survive another day…and then you realize that the Messiah is passing by. You call out to Him, but the crowd tries to silence you. This cannot be happening; the Messiah is so close. How would you respond?
The blind men who encountered Jesus were persistent. They would not allow the crowd to stand in their way, and they received their sight and followed Jesus. This is such a beautiful picture of their faith and Jesus’ generosity. Our Savior was there for them, and is here today for us, ready to meet our every spiritual need. Our goal as born again believers is for our spirit to become so mingled with the Holy Spirit that we will see those in need and help them. We will be able to share with them the love of Jesus. There does not seem to be a middle of the road. We can either be like the crowd and hurry on our way—or we can let the Holy Spirit work in our lives and take action to help. If someone in need asks you for help today, what will your response be? Will you stop and listen to them, and take the time to help?
Jesus gave of Himself to the afflicted. He has given us the example of meeting needs with gentleness, love, and a kind spirit. Generosity starts in our hearts, and with the Holy Spirit working in us, we can have the spontaneous heart of generosity modeled to us by Jesus. He heard the cry for help, and did not allow any outside influences to deter Him. Will you allow the crowd or any other outside influence to keep you from demonstrating Jesus’ love to a person in need? Do you view a person in need as an opportunity…or as an obstacle?
After taking some time to reflect on these questions, go to God in honest prayer. Don’t rush; spend as much time as you need. Below are a few prompts to help you get started.
Ask Jesus to give you the opportunity to exhibit His generosity to someone in need.
Praise God for His daily guidance and continued work in your life.
May God bless you with opportunities to serve Him.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your precious word and how it contains all the instruction I need to live a life surrendered to You. I ask for a heart of generosity, a heart that is tender and aware of those around me in need. Father, show me how to share the love of Jesus with the people You place on my heart. Amen.
Matthew 20:29-34 (NLT)
29 As Jesus and the disciples left the town of Jericho, a large crowd followed behind. 30 Two blind men were sitting beside the road. When they heard that Jesus was coming that way, they began shouting, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
31 “Be quiet!” the crowd yelled at them.
But they only shouted louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
32 When Jesus heard them, he stopped and called, “What do you want me to do for you?”
33 “Lord,” they said, “we want to see!” 34 Jesus felt sorry for them and touched their eyes. Instantly they could see! Then they followed him.
Yesterday, we observed the compassion that Jesus modeled. Today, we are examining His generosity. For a moment, imagine that you are blind, begging daily for enough money to survive another day…and then you realize that the Messiah is passing by. You call out to Him, but the crowd tries to silence you. This cannot be happening; the Messiah is so close. How would you respond?
The blind men who encountered Jesus were persistent. They would not allow the crowd to stand in their way, and they received their sight and followed Jesus. This is such a beautiful picture of their faith and Jesus’ generosity. Our Savior was there for them, and is here today for us, ready to meet our every spiritual need. Our goal as born again believers is for our spirit to become so mingled with the Holy Spirit that we will see those in need and help them. We will be able to share with them the love of Jesus. There does not seem to be a middle of the road. We can either be like the crowd and hurry on our way—or we can let the Holy Spirit work in our lives and take action to help. If someone in need asks you for help today, what will your response be? Will you stop and listen to them, and take the time to help?
Jesus gave of Himself to the afflicted. He has given us the example of meeting needs with gentleness, love, and a kind spirit. Generosity starts in our hearts, and with the Holy Spirit working in us, we can have the spontaneous heart of generosity modeled to us by Jesus. He heard the cry for help, and did not allow any outside influences to deter Him. Will you allow the crowd or any other outside influence to keep you from demonstrating Jesus’ love to a person in need? Do you view a person in need as an opportunity…or as an obstacle?
After taking some time to reflect on these questions, go to God in honest prayer. Don’t rush; spend as much time as you need. Below are a few prompts to help you get started.
Ask Jesus to give you the opportunity to exhibit His generosity to someone in need.
Praise God for His daily guidance and continued work in your life.
May God bless you with opportunities to serve Him.
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1 Comment
Beautiful written Devo pointing us to following Jesus and tugging on His sleeve for attention to our needs.