Deep down, every one of us is generous. We all give our money, our time, and our energy away to someone. The problem is that some people are only generous for their own benefit. Even when they’re “giving,” they’re really only looking for something in return (see Luke 6:34-35). This kind of lifestyle has no place in God’s Kingdom. Sincere, Biblical generosity gives to others without expecting to ever be paid back.

 

Jesus, of course, was the most generous person who ever lived, giving His life for people who did not deserve it and who could never pay Him back (see Romans 5:8). As leaders, our lives should be marked by radical generosity. We should give financially when appropriate, being very openhanded when a need is presented. But generosity with money is only a start. Generous leaders see the needs of the people around them as opportunities to share the love of God, to invest in others, and to build genuine relationships.

 

Jesus took one boy’s lunch and multiplied it so there was enough food to feed everyone present. The accounts say there were five thousand men present, which means there might have been an equal number of women and children present.

 

Jesus could have warned the crowd in the morning that they should bring a sack lunch. He could have shrugged off the needs of those people, saying, “Not my problem.” The disciples knew that the people would be hungry, and they offered a sensible suggestion to Jesus: Send everybody home before dark.

 

But Jesus didn’t send the people away. He provided for them. That’s the generosity of Jesus. He gave when He didn’t have to and with no expectation of anything in return.

 

Would others consider you a generous person? Make it a point this week to be intentionally generous with someone in need. If possible, try to give secretly (see Matthew 6:1-4).

 

Prayer: God, thank You for the generosity You displayed when You sent Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. Reveal ways that I may generously give of my resources to help those around me who are in need. May You use me as an example of a generous leader. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

 

“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” (1 John 3:17).

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.



Email Sign-up

Sign up for the TWR360 Newsletter

Access updates, news, Biblical teaching and inspirational messages from powerful Christian voices.

Thank you for signing up to receive updates from TWR360.

Required information missing

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy & Terms of Use apply.