Joy is the ability to rejoice in spite of circumstances. There is a place in God where we can find true contentment. God promises to give us peace and contentment if we trust Him. Joy in the Lord brings contentment in this life. Joy is an attribute of the followers of Christ.
What if your generosity can lead to your contentment? Generosity creates thankfulness in you and produces it in others. Perhaps the greatest evidence that we are not content is when we lose our generosity. If we have lost the capacity for generosity, contentment is gone too. During such times, God is saying to us, “There are people who need mercy. There is family who needs your care. There is a ministry that needs your support.”
If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch; if he’s thirsty, bring him a drink. Your generosity will surprise him with goodness, and God will look after you.
Proverbs 25:22
Generosity awakens the god-conscious of a person. Your joy should be outward facing. Practicing generosity creates greater happiness, health, emotional wellbeing and sense of purpose in life. The optimal opportunity for the godly, generous giver has Christ at their core because they understand the long-term solution to life is the Lord. Ongoing life change and contentment will only happen when Jesus is at the heart.
Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.
Philippians 4:1
Paul described himself as an offering for others, his very life being poured out for them.
2 I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
Philippians 4:2-3
Our generosity reminds us of the bigger picture. Because its not about us it’s about Him. A life of contentment will lead to be more outwardly focused toward others.
And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:19
There is no lack in God’s riches in glory and no lack in God’s supply.
Give, and [gifts] will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will they pour into [the pouch formed by] the bosom [of your robe and used as a bag]. For with the measure you deal out [with the measure you use when you confer benefits on others], it will be measured back to you.
Luke 6:38
Jesus encouraged the freedom to give. Generosity means partnering with the mission that is bigger than yourself. God’s mission removes the focus from ourselves and puts it on Him in whom we find our joy.
