For God loves a cheerful giver – 2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV

If I had to pick one thing that I want to be known for, I think generosity would rank at the top. In one of my journalism classes in college, we were assigned to write our own obituary and the inscription on our tombstone. Talk about thought-provoking! I pictured that on my tombstone it would read: A loving and generous woman. But at that time, I knew I had to earn it.

Three things about generosity

First, it’s not just about giving money or things. Simple kindness to others is generosity. In fact, the very definition of generosity is—according to the dictionary—“the quality of being kind and generous.” You can be generous with your words, with your time, or by giving someone your attention.

Do not neglect to do good and share what you have – Hebrews 13:16

Secondly, the best form of generosity is when it’s not easy. It take less effort to be generous to those you love or to those who have been generous to you. Be generous when you don’t feel like it, or when you think someone doesn’t deserve it, and especially when you know it won’t likely be reciprocated. That’s when generosity is most valuable and worthwhile.

Read: Matthew 25: 34-40 NIV

Lastly, the more generous you are, the more God gives you to share… as you’ve heard me say—likely more than once. But here’s what I know to be true… God rewards generosity in abundance—with joy, with peace and prosperity.

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed – Proverbs 11:25