Living with Open-Handed Generosity
Psalm 107:2 says, “Let the redeemed of the Lord say so.” Those who have experienced God’s goodness and grace are called to proclaim it—and one of the most powerful ways to do so is through generosity. When we open our hands and give, we reflect the very heart of God, who has been radically generous with us.
A School That Floats: A Story of Transformation
Generosity changes lives. In Cambodia, a floating Christian school is making an incredible impact, thanks to the generosity of those who have given to support it. The school, built on 50-gallon drums to adapt to fluctuating water levels, provides education and hope to children in an impoverished community. One student, a young girl named Devon, came from a difficult and broken home. At first, she was withdrawn and distrustful. But after a year of attending the school, receiving biblical teaching, and experiencing the love of Christ through teachers and missionaries, she transformed.
This is what happens when we give. We don’t always see the full impact of our generosity, but lives are being changed in ways we can’t imagine.
The Power of Generosity in God’s Kingdom
1 Corinthians 15:58 reminds us, “Therefore, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain.” Every act of generosity—whether financial giving, acts of service, or sharing our resources—plays a part in God’s plan. We may never meet those whose lives we touch, but our obedience to God’s call to give is never wasted.
Why We Struggle with Generosity
Despite knowing that generosity is important, human nature leans toward selfishness. It’s easy to live in a scarcity mindset, clinging to what we have out of fear of not having enough. Yet, scripture calls us to live differently. Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of others.”
The challenge is that generosity requires vulnerability. It demands that we trust God more than our bank accounts, our schedules, or our comfort zones. But when we step out in faith and give, we grow spiritually. Generosity isn’t just about helping others—it transforms us as well.
Generosity Requires Margin
One of the biggest obstacles to generosity is the lack of margin in our lives. Our finances, schedules, and energy are often maxed out, leaving little room to respond to the needs around us. But scripture presents a different model.
In Leviticus 19:9-10, God commanded His people to leave the edges of their fields unharvested so the poor could gather food. This was an intentional practice of creating margin—planning to give before spending everything on themselves. Today, we can apply this principle by structuring our lives with intentional generosity, setting aside resources, time, and energy to be a blessing to others.
Generosity Transforms Our Hearts
Matthew 6:21 states, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This means that our giving not only reflects our priorities but also shapes them. If we want to grow in love, faith, and generosity, we must practice giving even when we don’t feel like it.
2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Giving should not be an afterthought or a burden—it should be an intentional act of worship that brings joy. The more we give, the more we cultivate a spirit of generosity within ourselves.
The Greatest Act of Generosity
God set the ultimate example of generosity through Jesus Christ. Romans 8:32 declares, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” God held nothing back, giving His Son so that we could have eternal life. If God has been this generous to us, how can we not extend generosity to others?
Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This is true generosity—giving freely, without expectation of repayment, to those who are in desperate need.
Living It Out
Generosity is not just about money; it’s about living with open hands in every area of life. It means being willing to give our time, resources, and talents for God’s kingdom. When we do, we align ourselves with God’s heart and experience the joy of seeing lives transformed—including our own.
As followers of Christ, we are not meant to sit on the sidelines. The Christian life is an active one, calling us to step out in faith, embrace a life of generosity, and trust that God will use our gifts in ways beyond what we can imagine.
Are we living open-handed lives, ready to give when God calls? Or are we clinging tightly to what we have, afraid to let go? The choice is ours. But one thing is certain: generosity changes everything—including us.
Let’s step onto the field, give freely, and watch God work.