Who remembers the movie—Jerry Maguire?

I’m being a little silly with this line from the movie, “Show me the money!” but it’s fun to say, isn’t it? Makes me want to dance around the kitchen yelling at the top of my lungs, “Showwwww meeee the mo-nehhhhh!” It just makes me laugh.

But seriously, as we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, our focus is often on being thankful. We spend time remembering and even reciting in some form or fashion what we are truly thankful for. We write it in our journals, shout it from the rooftops, and tell those in our life how thankful we are for them.

And even though it is paramount to be thankful at Thanksgiving, I would like to encourage us to go one step further and tap into the spirit and practice of generosity. After all, they tend to go hand-in-hand as they are foundational to the economy of our faith—thankfulness inspires generosity.

When we take time to acknowledge what we are thankful for, it not only produces a contagious joy but builds confidence and is evidence of a faith that is hard to deny. And thus inspires generosity. As it relates to our scripture verses for this week, there are quite a few blessings we can expect to receive when we are generous in spending ourselves.

Wait, what?!?! I don’t know about you but I struggle sometimes with the scarcity factor in that I feel as though I don’t have much, if anything, to give. How about you?

This concept of generosity is especially hard for those of us living pay check to pay check and struggling to make ends meet. We are so often running on depleted stores of energy, time, and basic resources. However, in God’s economy scarcity doesn’t discredit you, discount you, or disqualify you.

So how do we extend what we don’t possess? It’s an oxymoron. An impossibility. Contradictory at best, crazy talk at worst. Even so, I think that scarcity is a gift of its own because oftentimes it is in the midst of scarcity that we discover the presence of God. So don’t waste this place if you find yourself here. It is in this place of perceived lack that we learn dependence, humility, and true gratitude.

Generosity is a game changer. A spiritual investment. In spite of our perceived lack, we can’t ignore the quiet directive God has given us in Isaiah 58:10-11; spend yourselves on others and He will strengthen us! This scripture paints a picture of getting something out of our giving. Although that should not be our motivation, it is a glorious and divine benefit nonetheless. So let’s look at what we can expect to receive when we spend ourselves, especially in our lack, for the good of others.

God says He will give us clarity, strength, and nourishment for our tired and weary souls. I don’t know about you, but I definitely could use some clarity in the dark places of my life. Some divine strength added to the fragile parts of my frame. And some nourishment to the dry and brittle places of my soul.

While money is typically the most widely known form of generosity we must not limit ourselves or our God to this. There are many forms of giving and I would like to challenge you to explore the different ways to give. Start by looking at what you have learned through your life experiences and where you could share an encouraging word, or lend a helping hand to someone that is struggling in the places you once struggled.

One thing we all have access to is the word of God. When I read scripture it strengthens my frame. I can save it for a rainy day, I can water it and watch it grow, and I can be generous and use it to feed others.

Beyond that, I am blessed to have very generous friends in my life and I get to see their generosity first hand. They model generosity as they give of their finances, their time, and their energy; doing so with such extravagant goodwill that it blows my mind. They inspire me to join them on the generosity bandwagon.

Another influential component in my life is the witness of my work culture. As a company, they encourage us to be generous to the community at large through volunteer opportunities. I have learned the power of collective generosity and have seen how it can be exponential in reach and effectiveness.

So what is God calling you to give in this season of your life?

Take some time to focus your attention on finding a way to do it, then… just do it! I know it will bless you, strengthen you, and make you even more beautiful, inside and out.

Whatever you choose to do, be intentional. Be a giver. Be the answer and the gift of someone else’s need.

Reflect and Respond:

Our charge this week is to find a place to be generous individually and a place to be generous corporately. Don’t live in a small world of self-centeredness. It makes for a really small existence. Open your eyes. Open your heart. Open your hands. And be the gift someone else needs.

Hugs for a great week and remember, you are not alone. Be blessed and be generous.