The Gift Of Generosity

You probably remember the quote from the New Testament about “the greatest commandment:” loving God (which we talked about on Sunday, February 1), and loving our neighbor as ourselves.

I believe that loving our neighbor, no matter who that is, requires generosity, not only of pocket, but also of heart and spirit.

Yes, that generosity might include putting a quarter in an expired meter, or paying for a box of Thin Mints to be sent to a military person (since we have sworn off carbs and sugar). But it can, and should (if I may use that word), include giving of our undivided attention when we are in a conversation at the table, as well as in a business transaction. (Don’t you want the teller at the bank to give your money their full attention? Fair is fair.)

Generosity often calls us to “go the extra mile.” Agreeing to do something we don’t really want to do for an hour—and then staying an extra hour. Getting up—even though it’s not “your turn”—to change the DVD, and filling the water glasses while you are up.

It has been my experience that it is not possible to be genuinely generous with someone else without benefiting myself. In fact, there is a Hindu proverb that states, “help your brother’s boat across and your own will reach the shore.”

I believe we are also called on to be generous with ourselves: by receiving gracefully, treating ourselves with compassion, and not taking anything personally.