Practicing Generosity While Single

Have you ever been around someone who thinks occasionally buying a cup of hot chocolate is a waste? Believing purchasing a bag of hot chocolate for the same price at the store would provide several cups instead.

You might think it's a function of affordability, but this is a mindset and a trap. God did not intend for us to live in that way.

Practicing contentment, being prudent, or financial planning is not the same as a scarcity mindset. An individual with a scarcity mindset will always have a tight budget regardless of how much they have. As such, we all need to learn about generosity from the scriptures.

Everyone can develop the attributes of a generous giver in alignment with the scriptures, irrespective of background.

We live in an age where people question tithing and struggle to show genuine kindness to others. I understand that the growth process differs for everyone, but we can't neglect the importance of shared values in any relationship.

There is no better time to start learning and practicing generosity than one's single years, even if a person didn't learn it growing up. The act of generosity is not solely monetary gifts or physical things; it's the heart posture. It's in the little things and how we treat others.

The acts of generosity include:

• Tithing

• The gift of time

• The gift of resources

• Including several practical examples of generosity seen in the Bible

One of the ways Pastors and church leaders can improve marriage counseling for their precious sons and daughters is to check the tithing history of individuals, particularly brothers (ha-ha). Yes! Because he is going to lead the home. He needs to have been faithful in the somewhat little things, too. Tithing is not only an act of generosity but also an act of accountability, which is a quality essential for mature singles. Single believers seeking marriage must have this shared value.

I wouldn't expect someone not generous toward advancing the nature or character of a Father who gave up His Son (Only Son) to be gracious or kind towards their spouse. Anyone still questioning whether tithing is a current or past requirement suffers from a scarcity mindset. Again, I will emphasize the importance of shared values because we all have free will. We don’t just want our relationships to survive; we must aim for thriving relationships as believers.

People who are not generous can make life difficult for others because a scarcity mindset is not God's nature. He is a God of abundance. Being prudent is different from having a scarcity mindset. A scarcity mindset does not give freely and questions every act of generosity. Any giving that does not extend beyond our family and friends may not necessarily be an act of generosity.

“Give to others, and God will give to you. Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, poured into your hands—all that you can hold. The measure you use for others is the one that God will use for you.”” Luke 6:38 GNT

Practicing generosity is not a stance we assume when we want something in return. It must be a lifestyle, and we must give joyfully without hidden agendas, knowing God is the one who rewards us. Let's look at a few examples of generosity in the Bible:

• The Widow in Mark 12:41-44. Others contributed from their surplus, but she put in all she had to live on. Jesus recognized this and put it on record, and generations after generations have read about her.

• Tabitha's Acts of Kindness in Acts 9:36-42. A woman named Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, was known for acts of charity in her neighborhood, so when she became ill and died, all those she had helped insisted that she could not die, and through Apostle Peter, God brought her back to life.

• The Greatest Example of All—Jesus in Matthew 27. He demonstrated generosity by giving up his life for those who could never repay him.

As we saw in the widow's story, giving is a heart posture, not in the amount.

“Generosity brings prosperity, but withholding from charity brings poverty. Those who live to bless others will have blessings heaped upon them, and the one who pours out his life to pour out blessings will be saturated with favor.” Proverbs 11:24-25 TPT

Every believer should embrace an abundance mindset and practice generosity. We must prepare ourselves to be a blessing in marriage. If we choose to marry, we should make it count. As more people develop healthy relationships, we can positively transform our societies.

Declare with me: I have an abundance mindset that gives generously in line with the scriptures, and I have a surplus. Hallelujah!!!

Balance and moderation are essential in everything we do, so ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in practicing generosity. See you at the top!

Recommended Bible Study: Matthew 27 (AMP)