Live Generously

Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.

Matthew 10:8 - MSG

Jesus wants us to do the “supernatural.” Hhhmmm… I’m not sure that very many of us living out our normal Christian lives are going to heal the sick, raise the dead, or kick out demons. But I do think we can “touch the untouchables” and “live generously.”

From time to time in our lives, we encounter folks who seem so different from us, or so difficult, that we really don’t want to have anything to do with them. We scoff and scorn them. We avoid them like the plague. Well, you get the point. And yes, I am talking about God’s people. God’s family members. God’s children. You and me.

When Jesus sent His disciples out on their first mission, He empowered them to do some amazing things. And they did. They were amazed at the power they had been given. But later, Jesus reminded them that their greatest reason for rejoicing wasn't simply what they had been able to do. He told them to rejoice that their names were written in heaven.

There is something important for us in that. Our greatest reason for living generously isn't what we can do for God. It is what God has already done for us.

We have been treated generously.

Think about that for a moment. God has given us grace we didn't earn, forgiveness we didn't deserve, mercy we couldn't manufacture, and new life through Jesus Christ. Everything we have received from Him is an expression of His generosity. And because we have received so much, we can become people who give generously to others.

At first glance, we might think that means giving money. And sometimes it certainly does. But there is so much more to giving than money.

We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to bring health to the sick. Perhaps that doesn't mean laying hands on someone and seeing an instant miracle. But it can mean walking alongside someone who is sick. It can mean sitting with them, praying with them, making a phone call, offering encouragement, or simply letting them know they aren't alone.

We can help bring life to people who are spiritually dead. We can tell someone about how Jesus gave us life when we were dead in our sins. We can share what He has done for us. We can point someone toward the One who can make all things new.

And what about “kicking out the demons”? There are people carrying tremendous burdens—fear, despair, oppression, loneliness, and hopelessness. Jesus can use us to bring His love, truth, encouragement, and hope into their lives. Sometimes being a healing balm doesn't require us to have all the answers. It simply requires us to be willing to walk alongside someone and point them toward Jesus.

And then there are the “untouchables.” Who are the people you would rather avoid? Who is difficult to love? Who makes you uncomfortable? Who doesn't fit neatly into your circle? Who perhaps has hurt you or simply seems so different from you that you would rather keep your distance? Those may be the very people Jesus is asking you to touch with His love.

Lastly, take some time today to recount all that Jesus has done for you. As the old hymn says, “Count your many blessings.” Be grateful. Remember how generously God has treated you. Then look around you.

You will probably find someone who needs something you can give. Maybe it's money. Maybe it's time. Maybe it's encouragement. Maybe it's forgiveness. Maybe it's a listening ear. Maybe it's simply showing kindness to someone everyone else has chosen to avoid.

You have so much Jesus in you to give to others. You have been treated generously. Now go live generously.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for treating me with a generosity far deeper than I could ever earn. Let the grace You’ve poured into my life spill out of me today in ways that bring healing, hope, and kindness to others. Open my eyes to the ones who feel unseen, overlooked, or difficult to love, and give me the courage to touch them with Your compassion. Make my words gentle, my hands willing, and my heart open. Help me walk alongside the hurting, speak life to the weary, and offer mercy where it’s needed most. I want to live generously because You have been so generous with me.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen…

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