Generosity and Hope
Scripture:
Romans 5:2-4
through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope..
Psalm 3:4-7
I call out to the Lord,
and he answers me from his holy mountain.
I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
I will not fear though tens of thousands
assail me on every side.
Arise, Lord!
Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
break the teeth of the wicked.
Reflection:
Today I choose to feast on generosity and hope.
Generosity is a virtue that replaces greed and hope heals our tendencies toward hopelessness. When we recognize God as the ultimate provider, we open ourselves up to practice generosity through our words and actions. When we remember the truth that we are loved and cared for by God, hope can bloom in our lives and further increases our desire to be generous towards others.
Both generosity and hope flow from a right understanding of ourselves and others. Recognizing ourselves as frail human beings dependent upon God for our very breath reminds us that the things we have are not really ours. Instead, all we have is a gift from God and all that we are waiting for will only come through God’s grace. This should not only rearrange our attitude towards God, but also our attitude towards our local and global neighbours. If all that we have is given by God, and each person is dearly loved by God, then why would we not use these gifts to bless? Why should we hoard the good things that are meant to inspire generosity and hope in ourselves and others?
Questions for Personal Reflection:
What stands out to me from my reflections this week? What might God still want to teach me?
How can I incorporate practices of generosity and hope into my life today? How I continue these practices throughout my life?
Prayer:
Share with God any lingering thoughts, questions or feelings from this week. Thank God for the gifts of generosity and hope that provide a path forward from greed. Ask God to help you practice generosity and hope in ways that are life-giving.
These devotions have been adapted from “Lenten Healing: 40 Days to Set You Free from Sin” by Ken Kniepmann.
