A Different Kind of Generosity - Dr. Brian Fletcher

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.  You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 2 Corinthians 9:10-12 ESV

In my twenty years in full-time ministry, I’ve been the recipient of some generous gifts from some amazing people. Our family has received a new oven, three cars, a new transmission, clothes, vacations, and even a surprise shopping spree. 

But I’ve also had some people pour into me spiritually over the years. In this sense, they were spiritually generous. These people were deep in their walk with Christ, and they were listening and learning about God’s grace and His unsurpassing love. They met with me early in the morning or late into the night. They skipped over the chit-chat and got right to what God was teaching them in their lives, pouring out their soul to me in the hopes I would catch a glimpse of this amazing God who showered us with His love through Jesus.

God wants us not only to be materially generous to the ministries He is leading us to give to, but also to be spiritually generous. Take five minutes to dwell on your life in Christ, thinking deeply about how much He has given you spiritually . . . how He has been gracious to you in specific ways.

Remember those who have poured their life into you. Those who have been spiritually generous to you, those who have impacted your life, those who have strengthened your marriage or parenting skills, and those who have helped you understand the gospel in deeper ways.

When we’ve reminded ourselves of those blessings, God wants us to bless others . . . to be generous spiritually to them. 

Take what God teaches you every day and share it with someone. Allow the grace Christ pours into you to overflow to those around you.

Dr. Brian Fletcher is a husband, dad, pastor, speaker, founder of Ministry Leadership Academy, and podcaster at The Gospel Changes Everything. He serves as Associate Pastor at Spring Run Presbyterian Church. 

Looking for a wide selection of genres in inspirational books at discount prices? Click here to see selections.

Thanks to all our faithful followers who are "sharing" our posts--please keep it up! We also invite you to follow and like us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter. Help us spread God's encouragement through his love lines.