I’ve been watching The Chosen recently and can’t wait to see the next season. The one thing that keeps amazing me is God’s generosity and grace. Reading the Old Testament, you see how many times God has to show us, His children, the error of our ways despite showing His faithfulness, promise and truth. I’m blown away by His generosity: to keep giving us love and grace no matter what we have done or how far away we have strayed. He still gives us His one and only Son. Even when he knew Jesus was to be betrayed and would have to make the ultimate sacrifice, He showed us more generosity by wiping the slate clean for us. Forever.

And through that sacrificial act, He demonstrated what generosity looks like: willingly offering up what we have so that someone else can thrive, even if it causes us pain in the process.¹

These days, with our capitalist society, we often think of generosity is always financial. Giving to the less needy through charities etc. But you can be generous in other ways. Here are some simple ways you can extend some generosity:

1. Pay for Someone’s Coffee or Meal: next time you’re at a coffee shop or drive-thru, consider paying for the person behind you.
2. Donate to a Food Bank: many families struggle to afford groceries. Donating non-perishable food items can make a big difference.
3. Offer Your Time: volunteer at a local shelter, church, or community center to help those in need.
4. Listen and Be Present: generosity isn’t just about money. Taking time to genuinely listen to someone who’s struggling is a generous act.
5. Help a Neighbour: offer to mow their lawn, shovel snow, or run errands for an elderly or busy neighbor.
6. Support a Struggling Small Business: instead of big chains, buy from local shops, restaurants, or artisans.
7. Donate Clothes or Household Items: instead of throwing things away, give gently used clothing, furniture, or appliances to those in need.
8. Encourage and Uplift Others: a simple kind word, handwritten note, or social media shoutout can brighten someone’s day.
9. Be Generous with Forgiveness: letting go of grudges and offering grace is a powerful way to show generosity of spirit.
10. Share Your Skills: if you’re good at something (tutoring, fixing things, cooking, etc.), offer to help someone who needs it for free.

Take Action: One of Jesus’ most famous miracles involved making the most out of the few loaves and fish someone had to offer. What do you have to give? Try finding a place where you can invest what you have in some way. Start small, or go big. Just start.