I have no doubt that the generosity of Christians is being tested by the current economic instability. Yet, I believe the Lord wants to use our generosity in the midst of this time to bring people to Himself. Of course, being generous is about more than just giving away money. The account of Abram in Genesis 12-14 provides six examples of generosity that we can put into
practice right now.

1. Care for those in need around you

Abram cared for his orphaned nephew Lot and brought him with the rest of his family to Canaan (Genesis 12:5). God calls us to care for others, so we should be looking for people who need care. If you have trouble finding someone who needs care, pray for God to show you someone in your circle who is in need (see Philippians 2:4). Then, reach out to that person.

2. Accept less to settle a dispute

When the herdsmen of Abram and Lot began having conflicts, Abram settled it by letting Lot choose the best land (Genesis 13:5-11). If you’re involved in a dispute with someone, offer to accept less to settle it. And if you’ve ever been mistreated in a settlement, forgive those who took advantage of you (see 1 Corinthians 6:7).

3. Help those who have been foolish

Lot foolishly chose to live in the wicked city of Sodom, and he was later taken prisoner from there. Despite Lot’s foolish behaviour, Abram rescued him (Genesis 13:12-13, 14:12-16). This is symbolic of God’s love and faithfulness to us despite our foolishness. If God has put you in a position to help people in need, do so even if their own foolish behaviour has led to their poverty. Along with your assistance, an appropriate measure of accountability will help them
avoid future mistakes.

4. Give generously to the Lord

Abram voluntarily tithed to Melchizedek, a king and priest of God, from all the goods he seized during his rescue of Lot (Genesis 14:18-20). Develop a lifestyle of generosity that makes  supporting God’s kingdom your top priority, even during times of economic instability. This will be a witness that you honour God first (see 2 Corinthians 9:6-8).

5. Bless those who work with you

Abram rewarded the men who had helped him rescue Lot (Genesis 14:24). Seek ways to bless those who help you. If you’re an employer, be generous to your workers and make sure they know your company couldn’t succeed without them (see Leviticus 19:13).

6. Have the right attitude about money

After tithing and rewarding his men, Abram gave back everything he had seized while rescuing Lot. He didn’t keep any goods for himself. Abram didn’t want anyone to misunderstand his motives, and he didn’t want anything God had not given to him (Genesis 14:21-23). Don’t let your top priority be about storing up money and possessions for yourself. Choose to be a giver first and trust the Lord to meet your needs (see Matthew 6:19-21).

God is calling us to freely share His love, grace, and mercy and to be a blessing to our family, friends, co-workers, the poor—and even people who are suffering because of their foolish behaviour. Whatever our current situation may be, we must remember Abram’s model of generosity and respond to God’s call.

“Used with permission from Money Matters, a monthly economic magazine published by Crown Financial Ministries, Gainesville, Georgia.”