Daily Devotional

Generosity Requires a Plan

Have you ever had a moment when you wanted to help someone in need, but you realized you didn’t have the resources to do it? 

The desire to be generous is one thing, but being prepared to live generously is another. Isaiah 32:8 says, “But generous people plan to do what is generous, and they stand firm in their generosity.”

In Sunday’s message, Pastor Todd shared results from a survey taken in our church. The results showed that while 66% of people in our church said they consider themselves natural givers, only 26% said they actually have a plan for their generosity. That’s a reminder that generosity doesn't just require compassion, it requires preparation.

The Samaritan in Luke 10 was able to help the man on the side of the road because he had something prepared to give, he had the time to stop, and he had the money and resources to care for the man.

Generous people don’t just hope they’ll have something left over to give. They make room for generosity to happen. Maybe for you, this looks like creating margin in your schedule so you have time to serve someone. Maybe it means being intentional with your finances so you’re prepared to give when a need arises. Or perhaps, it looks like being more aware of the people around you so you’re ready to respond when God gives you an opportunity. 

So today, don’t just ask, How can I be generous? Ask yourself, What do I need to change so I’m ready to be generous?

Prayer Practice: Ask the Lord to give you wisdom to prepare your life for generosity, so you’re ready when He gives you an opportunity to bless someone else.