Living a generous lifestyle means more than just giving money. At Amarillo Fellowship Church, we use our blessings to benefit others. Richie Brown emphasizes that generosity is a core value, one that can transform our lives and the lives of those around us. When we give, we show our gratitude for what God has provided.

God gives us the ability to create wealth, and with that comes the expectation to use it for good. This isn’t about how much wealth we have, but how willing we are to share it. The Bible teaches us to “leave the edges” of our fields for the poor and foreigners, a principle that applies even today. It’s about not being greedy and remembering that everything we have is ultimately a blessing from God.

Understanding Generous Living

Living a generous lifestyle is a vital part of our teachings. We believe that God has blessed each of us with the ability to create wealth. This wealth is not meant just for our own benefit but to be used as a tool to bless others. Being generous means thinking beyond ourselves and looking for ways to positively impact those around us.

Generosity isn’t just about the amount of money we give. It’s about the intentions behind our giving. Wealth is seen as a blessing from God, whereas greed is a heart issue that can be curbed by honoring God with the first fruits of our earnings. Giving generously, we honor God and help build His kingdom on earth. Living this way brings fulfillment that material possessions alone cannot provide.

The principle of “leaving the edges” encourages us not to hoard all our resources for ourselves. In the Bible, God instructed the Israelites to leave the edges of their fields unharvested for the poor and foreigners. Today, this means not being greedy and always remembering to share our resources, time, and kindness with others. Living a generous life starts with a mindset of abundance and a desire to bless others.

Practical Ways to Show Generosity

There are many ways to show generosity in everyday life. Here are some practical actions and practices that can help you live generously:

Tip Well: Even if you receive poor service, tip generously. It shows grace and kindness.
Share Your Time: Volunteer at local shelters, schools, or community events. Time is as valuable as money.
Donate Goods: Give clothes, food, or other necessities to those in need. Check with local charities to see what items are most needed.
Be Supportive: Offer your skills or services for free to help someone in need, whether tutoring, fixing something, or just listening.
Random Acts of Kindness: Pay for the coffee of the person behind you, write encouraging notes, or leave some cash where someone in need can find it.

The concept of “leaving the edges” translates into our modern lives by encouraging us to leave some resources behind for others. It means being intentional in our generosity and always keeping some margin in our time, money, and resources to help those in need. This practice ensures that we are not completely consumed with our own needs and reminds us to look out for the well-being of others. Being generous doesn’t require having much; it requires a heart willing to share what we have, no matter how little it may seem.

Biblical Principles of Generosity

The Bible has many teachings about being generous. Leviticus 19:9 and 23:22 tell us to leave the edges of our fields for the poor and foreigners. Leaving part of our resources for others shows our love and obedience to God. It’s a reminder that everything we have comes from Him. By sharing, we acknowledge God’s blessings and help those in need.

In the New Testament, 2 Corinthians 9 teaches us that those who sow sparingly will also reap sparingly, and those who sow generously will reap generously. This principle shows the relationship between our generosity and the blessings we receive. Giving is not a loss but an investment in God’s Kingdom. When we give cheerfully, God promises to bless us abundantly.

Living generously brings many blessings. We experience joy, contentment, and fulfillment. It strengthens our faith as we see God working in our lives and in the lives of others. Generosity also builds community and extends God’s love to more people. By following these biblical principles, we grow closer to God and live out our faith meaningfully.

Steps to Grow in Generosity

Growing in generosity can be a journey. Here’s a helpful giving ladder that outlines steps we can take:

Potential Giver: Start by thinking about giving. Pray and ask God for guidance on how to begin.
Emerging Giver: Take the first step and give something. It could be your time, money, or resources.
Consistent Giver: Make giving a regular habit. Set aside a portion of your income or time to give consistently.
Tither: Commit to giving a tenth of your income, as the Bible suggests. Trust God with your finances and see His blessings.
Extravagant Giver: Go above and beyond. Look for creative ways to give and make an even bigger impact.

Each step is important and helps build a generous spirit. Take time to pray and consider where you are on this ladder. Ask God to show you the next step in your journey. Remember, every small act of generosity contributes to building a more generous and loving community.

Conclusion

Living a generous lifestyle is a powerful way to reflect God’s love and build a strong, caring community. By understanding and practicing generosity, we can make a real difference in the lives of those around us. It’s not about how much we give, but the heart and intention behind our giving. We honor God and help spread His love when we share our blessings.

At Amarillo Fellowship Church, we believe each person has a unique role in this journey. Whether you’re just starting or looking to deepen your generosity, there’s always a next step to take. Pray and ask God to guide you. Look for practical ways to share your time, resources, and kindness. As we grow in generosity, we experience God’s blessings and strengthen our faith.

We invite you to join us on this journey of generous living. Write down your next step in giving, place it in an offering envelope, and let us pray and support you in this journey. Contact us, and let’s grow together in generosity and love.