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How to Build a Culture of Generosity and Gratitude

Generosity is often seen as an act of kindness, but it’s more than that — it’s an overflow of gratitude. When we look at generosity through a Biblical lens, we see that it begins with thankfulness. God created a continuous gratitude-generosity loop in us. In simple terms, when we are thankful for kindness shown to us, that gratitude inspires our own compassion and generosity. The Bible beautifully illustrates this truth in Proverbs 11:24-25, showing us that a generous heart leads to abundance in return. Gratitude prepares our hearts to give and live generously.


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Gratitude Leads to Generosity 

Gratitude seems to prepare our hearts, minds, and hands for generosity. In other words, generosity is the outward expression and overflow of a grateful heart. When we recognize all we’ve been given, both in the material and spiritual sense, it becomes easier to share with others. There’s also a powerful bonus: research shows that practicing gratitude doesn’t just make us more generous — it also makes us happier and healthier. Gratitude reduces stress, boosts immune function, and can even help you avoid those pesky viruses like COVID and the flu!

By regularly expressing gratitude, especially through prayer, we open ourselves up to living more generously. Prayer helps us reflect on all God has done for us, preparing us to serve others with joy and compassion.

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The Ultimate Generous Sacrifice

The ultimate model of generosity is God Himself. He gave the greatest and most valuable gift He could — His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16). This gift wasn’t just a token of goodwill; it was the foundation of our salvation and eternal life with Him. Through His death and resurrection, God has already done everything needed to provide us with abundance on earth and a promise of life everlasting. All we must do is accept this precious gift and make Jesus the center of our lives.

But God’s generosity doesn’t stop there. Jesus, the ultimate example of generosity, left His heavenly kingdom to take on human flesh and sacrifice Himself for our sins. His generosity changed the course of history and gave us the gift of eternal life. One day, He will return to give us another priceless gift — eternal life with Him (Romans 6:23). Until then, we are called to live generously, reflecting the love and sacrifice He demonstrated for us.

 

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Generosity Demonstrated in Action

When Jesus walked on earth, He showed us what true generosity looks like. Through His life, He demonstrated different ways we can give to others, not just in terms of material wealth but in spirit and love. He brought hope, peace, forgiveness, healing, purpose, and joy to everyone He encountered. Jesus also emphasized the importance of generosity in our relationships with others. He commanded us to love one another as He has loved us, showing that generosity is more than a mere act — it’s a way of life.

When we think about generosity, we need to view it through a larger lens than just a financial discipline, following the precedent Jesus has set for us. In our daily lives, generosity can take the forms of: 

• Prayer and words of encouragement: Lifting others up in prayer and offering words of encouragement are powerful ways to express love and care (Ephesians 4:29). 

• Hospitality: Welcoming others into our homes or offering a kind gesture can show love and make a difference in someone’s life.

• Benefit of the doubt: Sometimes, generosity means offering understanding instead of judgment.
Acts of service: Giving our time to help others is one of the most valuable acts of generosity.

• Financial giving: This can be sacrificial and an act of worship, trusting that God will provide for all our needs. It’s not about how much we give, but the heart behind it.

 

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Generosity is for Everyone

Generosity is not limited by age, wealth, or status. It’s for everyone who follows Jesus — young or old, rich or poor. Jesus gave us the most precious gift we could ever receive and now we are called to give in the same way. We can teach children to live generously by setting examples of giving through acts of service, tithing, and sharing what we have. Stories like the widow’s mite show that it’s not about the amount we give, but the heart behind it. The widow gave out of her poverty, yet her offering was greater in God’s eyes than the rich man who gave out of abundance (Mark 12:41-44).

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The Right Attitude Behind Giving    

The attitude behind our giving matters. God loves a cheerful giver, and giving should never be done out of obligation. Instead, we are invited to serve one another with a joyful and willing heart. When we give freely, it’s a reflection of the love God has shown us, and it brings us closer to Him and to those we serve. (Deuteronomy 15:10)

Generosity is about being kind and unselfish, offering what we have for the sake of others. Whether it’s our time, our resources, or our efforts, generosity is a sacrifice. It’s about stepping out of our comfort zones and showing love to others, even when it’s inconvenient. This sacrificial love mirrors the generosity God has shown us. When we give without expecting anything in return, we become a living testament to the grace and mercy God extends to us daily. Gratitude and generosity are contagious, spreading joy and love wherever they go.

At non-profit organizations like Mount Paran Christian School, we sit in the shade of trees planted by those before us. We're enjoying things that were done for us prior to us, and oftentimes by people with less means than what we have. Those before us had to sacrifice and be selfless, and now we are getting to enjoy the fruits of that labor. In turn, we can think of generosity in this way ourselves, giving of what we have selflessly so that others can benefit.

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A Call to Generosity  

 

Generosity isn’t just an action — it’s a lifestyle. It begins with gratitude and overflows into every part of our lives. Whether we’re praying for others, offering words of encouragement, serving in our communities, or giving of our resources, we are showing the love of Christ. Generosity is a tangible way we can thank God for all He has given to us, and in doing so, we reflect His generous heart to the world. Let us embrace a life of gratitude and generosity, remembering that we can never outgive God, and He will provide for all our needs.

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This article was written by Jennifer New, Chief Development Officer at Mount Paran Christian School. 
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