The Generosity of God

Our experiences in life shape who we are and how we see the world around us. They give us a filter that we view other people and even God through. Many times we project our experiences with others or even our own personality onto our perception of God.

When you think of God what comes to mind? When you think of asking God for something how do you think He will respond?

In James 1:5 we learn about an important attribute of God, His generosity. Most people tend to give to others based on performance or what they think they can get in exchange. It is easy for us to think that God only gives to those who deserve or earn it, but that is not true. James describes God as giving to us generously and without finding fault. (James 1:5 NASB) In other words, God gives us more than we need and never with judgment.

I wonder how many of us don’t go to God and ask because we feel condemned, guilty, or judged. Maybe we project our rejection by other people onto God. Or maybe we know how unlikely we are to give to someone as undeserving as we see ourselves. This is why it is so important that we have a correct view of God.

When James was describing the generous nature of God, I wonder if he was thinking about Jesus’ teaching on prayer and asking God. Listen to what Jesus said, “For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give him as a snake, will he? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!” (Matthew 7:8-11)

We are quick to limit God, but God gives to us as a loving Father. He is not hoping to see us fail, He wants us to live a successful life. Looking at James’ instructions we understand that if we do not have the proper view of who God is, we will not ask for wisdom, and if we do not ask, we will not receive.

Last year I read a compelling little book by Emily Steele Elliot called Expectation Corner. In a few short pages, she uses an allegory to show how many of God’s children are missing out on the blessings God has for them. The main character Adam Slowman lives in a small cottage on the estate called Redeemed Land. Adam’s cottage is described as unusually small, dull and dirty, and lacking light. His water supply is almost blocked and his cabinets have very little food.

Ms. Steele describes Adam this way, “Adam lived poor, so to speak when he might have lived rich.” The first time I read these words they gripped my heart. When it comes to my spiritual life, how often do I live poor when I have everything I need to live rich?

In his letter to the Ephesian church, the apostle Paul spoke directly to this issue. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” (Ephesians 1:3) Notice what Paul is saying here. We already have every spiritual blessing. Everything we need to live out the Christian life we possess now.

Another New Testament writer, the disciple Peter says it this way, “Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” (I Peter 1:3)

Going back to the story of Adam Slowman, a story that is much like many of ours. Adam was surrounded by a flourishing estate. Many of his neighbors lived in beautiful homes that overflowed with abundance. One day a messenger visited Adam. He questioned why Adam was living with so much lack when the estate Owner would give him everything he needed.

The messenger took Adam across the estate to the storehouse. Here Adam saw a flurry of activity, with petitions coming in and packages going out. He even showed Adam the Missed Blessing Office, where unreceived blessings were returned. Most of these came back because the doors of those who requested them were shut. The very people who asked for them were not ready to receive them.

The messenger challenged Adam, “you bring discredit on your royal Lord by little expecting and little receiving. Then your petitions, Adam, have had so many ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ – there have come along with them so many ‘I don’t expects’ and ‘perhapses,’ and so many ‘I don’t know whether this’ll ever get into my Lord’s hands, and if it does, I don’t whether He’ll hear me,’ that they’ve been – though you mayn’t have meant them so – half insults to His goodness.”

Like so many of us, Adam received little because he did not expect to receive. Without intention, we are insulting God. Prayer that lacks the confidence to believe that God will work will not bring the blessings we seek. That type of prayer is only words and ritual.

When we are praying for wisdom, we need to remember we are praying to a generous God. Therefore, we can pray with confidence knowing that God will abundantly supply us with what we need.