GENEROSITY

PREPARE YOUR EYES TO READ AND YOUR HEART TO RECEIVE AS YOU TAKE IN THE WORDS THAT LOOK TO CHANGE LIVES, RENEW HEARTS, AND OPEN MINDS. On Easter Sunday, some people attended a place of worship, others remained home and streamed online, while others sent random messages and texts about "The Resurrection of Jesus." In Christianity, this day marks the day that Jesus rose from the dead after his crucifixion, two days prior. The significance of this occurrence for believers is that if death could not stop Jesus, he is still alive and guiding the people that proclaim him to be their Lord and Savior. For more in-depth knowledge leading up to this event, read Matthew Chapters 26-28. As astonishing as that story is, I want to offer you a different viewpoint when it comes to the word generosity which Merriam-Webster dictionary defines as "the willingness to give or to share." Before we dig further into this, I want you to reflect on one of the most popular responses provided to someone when they are in need, "I'll pray for you!" Prayer Warriors, please don't take offense to this, but sometimes actions are needed along with those prayers. Jesus has already been provided the blueprints for his death by God, and yet he still went and asked God in prayer on multiple occasions, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me" nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will." Jesus is asking God if he could forego the abuse, shame, and death and still have the desired outcome in another manner and, through his silence, meant no. How hard would it be for you to not only task your son but watch as he calls out for you to rescue him from people removing his clothes, spitting, mocking, beating, shaming, and stabbing him, and he has done nothing to deserve this cruel punishment? Would you take that abuse and, instead of fighting back, tell the women who were mourning and crying for you to not weep for you but weep for yourselves and your children. (Luke 23:28). Would you continue with the punishment and then ask for forgiveness from the people who continue to strike and mock you because they are unaware? (Luke 23:34) You see, God could have at any time stopped what was happening to Jesus and rained fire and brimstone down on all of those people, but he didn't because he had to fulfill a prophecy, and Jesus understood what his part was as well. Action must accompany your prayers. God understood that there would be no perfect people in the world outside of Jesus, "so he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) Jesus showed his generosity by allowing physical punishment on his body, knowing that he could have stopped the preceding events before anything happened by not being present since he knew the day, the hour, and the person who would betray him. Stop hitting the easy button by uttering, "I'll pray for you." If you have the means, assist in preventing someone's water, heat, and electricity from being cut off, maybe feed that hungry person, supply some clothes, or offer a ride—generosity, prayer, and action working together for the common good. #SPEAK2MYHEART "For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, I was a stranger, and you welcomed me, I was naked, and you clothed me, I was sick, and you visited me, I was in prison, and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you? And the King will answer them, Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'" Matthew 25:35-40