SCRIPTURE: “How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to [their] power, I bear record, yea, and beyond [their] power [they were] willing of themselves; Praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. (2 Corinthians 8:2-4 KJV).
QUOTE: “Lead with integrity, follow with curiosity, serve with generosity, be with humility, love with humanity. – Rob Kish
NOTE:
As leaders willing to live in God’s will, we must demonstrate two basic qualities: humility and generosity. These two qualities of life are taught again and again throughout the rest of the biblical story. They are perfectly modeled in Jesus Christ, an example all of us are to emulate. He served in humility (John 13:12-15), He gave up His very life; Paul identified this sacrifice as God’s “indescribable gift” (2Corinthians 9:15).
ILLUSTRATION:
When Jesus was being carefully scrutinized by the Pharisees at a meal—probably a set-up—He took advantage of this hostile setting to teach two very important lessons. First, He taught the Pharisees not to exalt themselves, but instead to practice humility. Second, Jesus taught them to invite those who could not reciprocate. This would be true generosity.
REFLECTION:
In what ways does God recognize and honor true humility and generosity?
TWO YEAR BIBLE READING: Exodus 35 – 36, Psalm 51