generosity

what if people took jesus serious? what if people actually fed the people who said they were hungry, and water to those who thirst? what if people didn’t just drive a hitchhiker to their next destination, but also made sure they had warm clothes and a meal? what if people turned the other cheek when they were hit instead of fighting back? what if people included the neighbors that live around them who have no family of their own? what if people treated their enemies better than their own family? what if people were so generous that they put themselves in harms way? what if instead of going to church and talking about how good god was, people went out and showed the world what god was like? what if people actually understood who jesus was? 

in the words of the apostle paul: don’t be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good. 

“oh you’re hungry? let me feed you. thirsty? take my drink. cold and no place to stay? come with me and stay in my home, in fact, sleep in my bed, i’ll take the couch. you broke into my house and stole my tv? i’ll chase you down and make sure you have the remote as well. punch me in the face? i’ll wash your feet.” the world sees this as weakness. but this isn’t weakness. strength lies not in the hands of the rich and powerful, but in the generous hearts of the poor and broken. 

this is not a matter of interpretation or opinion. this is the gospel, and it’s not subjective. you either take up the burden and live a generous life dedicated to the poor and oppressed people in the world, or you don’t call yourself a follower of jesus.

never forget, there is no such thing as too generous. this year, be so generous it gets you into trouble. cause otherwise, what are you even doing with your life?