Generosity – What’s not to like!
Everyone loves a bit of generosity when it’s given to them. Who doesn’t love that kind person who gives you their car parking ticket they’ve hardly used, or the store owner who gives you an extra something free just because, or the tradesperson who waives their fee or whatever it is!
We all love it when people are generous towards us. Generosity puts a smile on your face and a lightness in your spirit, it warms our hearts and helps us to look on others in a different way.
Mahatma Gandhi said: “Gentleness, self-sacrifice and generosity are the exclusive possession of no one race or religion.” How true, generosity is something most of us can agree on – it’s a great thing to experience and a wonderful thing to encourage in one another. I may not always agree with Richard Dawkins, but he was definitely on the right track when he said: “Let us try to teach generosity and altruism, because we are born selfish.”
As I write this at the end of October, we at Burpham church have just been taking part in a week of Generosity. We’ve shared reflections and challenges to help us think about how to grow a more generous spirit, because the truth is, many of us find it easier to receive generosity than to give it! But generosity breeds generosity. I have found that I am more likely to be generous to others when I have experienced it myself. Perhaps that is true for you too.
Sometimes the needs of the world can seem overwhelming, and it feels like the little you can do is a mere drop in the ocean, but that’s when Mother Teresa’s words ring in my ears, “Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.”
Many people have been immensely generous over the last 18 months as they have seen others in need and reached out to help – and we all salute those who have given above and beyond. May you experience the truth of Jesus’ words for yourself:
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Luke 6:38
Here’s to a new and ongoing generosity among us all here in Burpham!
With every blessing
Rev’d James & Jo Levasier
james@burphamchurch.org.uk
jo@burphamchurch.org.uk
