Generosity in Persevering - Day 86

Generosity in Persevering

By Mike Stickler

1 Peter 2:15
For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people.

Have you ever heard anyone say that Christians are weak, or that Christianity is only a crutch? I sure have! But, is this the truth? ... or only half the story?

The truth is, alone, Christians are weak, and desperately in need of help. But, with Christ alive in them, they are powerful—and the world needs the example of Christ lived out through them before it. The world needs to see people who would not be angered easily, gossip readily, or act immorally. Christian generosity would demonstrate a loving heart of sacrifice, humility, and perseverance.

Earlier, I mentioned a man I discipled who struggled with loving others. He got so frustrated with me when I mentioned this that I didn’t see him again for a couple of years. I am happy to report, though, after a few years (and even more prayers) gone by, he has reached a significant milestone in regard to what love is.

Over a cup of coffee not long ago, he told me he’d discovered the secret to loving people! With a big smile, he told me that love was long-suffering and filled with perseverance. He went on to say how Jesus Himself has put up with‒and paid the price with His life for‒each of us ... how He has persevered through our sinful rejection of Him, sometimes on a daily basis. Through these two epiphanies, God began to build a model in my friend’s heart on how to generously love others.

What he’d learned was, that all he needed to know and see was demonstrated by Christ’s love toward him. Over the years, God continued to do good in and through my friend. And as he continued to do good in other people’s lives, their foolish opinions would gradually change. In this case, even his own foolish opinion of himself changed. This revelation has opened up his ability to love those around him ... generously.

Today’s Generosity Challenge:
Give an example where you continued to do good when directed by the Lord. How had that changed the opinions the people around you?

Tell your story; we want to hear it.

About Michael Stickler

Mike is an author, radio host, and a highly sought after motivational speaker. His best-selling book, A Journey to Generosity, is widely acclaimed throughout the Christian community. He is the publisher of Generous Living Magazine and writes for the Christian Post, 'A Generous Life' column.