The Virtues Series
His name is on many university buildings, concert halls, libraries, and other institutions because he was generous with his money and he desired that it have a lasting effect. Andrew Carnegie was the richest man in America in 1900 but he gave away 90% of his wealth. He is credited with influencing a wave of philanthropy in the United States.
Philanthropy is derived from the Greek word philanthropia—meaning “love of humankind.” It is often represented by the virtue of generosity in a specific form: liberally donating money. The word generosity literally means “born of nobility.” Being liberal (liberated or free) in your giving, therefore, means having the character of a noble spirit. However, generosity does not only refer to giving money. It can also be displayed by giving of your time, sharing your knowledge and skills, or offering the use of your material resources for the benefit of others. Sometimes generosity means sacrificing. Maximilian Kolbe sacrificed his own life so another man would be freed from Auschwitz. It often requires us to trust that God will provide in the areas where we decide to give generously.
Generosity breeds generosity. It is a virtue best reproduced in a community characterised by unselfishness. I have been blessed to grow up surrounded by people whose display of daily and extraordinary generosity were commonplace.
Generosity was modeled to me through many people: my parents, grandparents, friends, church members, and neighbors. My “community of the noble” were generous in giving of their time to listen, sharing the wisdom and stories of their life, and reassuring me when I needed it most. They taught me by freely giving spiritual, practical, and life-choice advice. It was easy to receive this advice because I saw them being generous in practical ways first. They loaned out their vans for one-thousand-mile mission trips. Food and housekeeping were provided to families with newborns. Watching each other’s children, helping with house or car repairs, assisting with yard work, etc. were all completed with a smile. They considered themselves the servants of one another, their church, and their community. Generosity was always given freely, liberally, authentically, and without hesitation. Through this, they showed Christ to me.
God did not intend us to live our lives alone. How would we practice generosity and being Christ-like to others if we choose to live a life focused mainly on ourselves?
Luke 6:38 says:” Give, and it will be given unto you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be placed into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
A measure of flour was what fit into your lap (your apron) and a good measure of flour was shaken, pressed down, and overflowing. This is the way God desires us to be generous with others.
Model generosity to your grandchildren. Let them see you giving often of your time, talent, and treasure to others.
Generosity, noble giving, like all virtues will be repaid in full in this life and be also rewarded in the next. It is called the virtuous cycle.
Grandly Staff