What is generosity? According to the University of Notre Dame, generosity is “the virtue of giving good things to others freely and abundantly.” It…
…Is a learned character trait that involves both attitude and action—entailing as a virtue both an inclination or
to others not simply anything in abundance but rather giving those things that are good for others. Generosity always intends to enhance the true wellbeing of those to whom it gives.
…What exactly generosity gives can be various things: money, possessions, time, attention, aid, encouragement, emotional availability, and more.
…Is not identical to pure altruism, since people can be authentically generous in part for reasons that serve
their interests as well as those of others. Indeed, insofar as generosity is a virtue, to practice it for the good of
others also necessarily means that doing so achieves one’s own true, long-term good as well.
…Is, like all of the virtues, in people’s genuine enlightened self-interest to learn and practice.
So, we should look for opportunities to be generous.
God is looking for people that will be “ever lending generously, and” their “children will be blessed.” (Psalm
37:26; ESV)
Psalm 112:5 says that life “is well with the man who deals generously and lends.” (ESV)
And “many seek the favor of a generous man, and everyone is a friend to a man who gives gifts.” (Proverbs 19:6)