Why I care so much about generosity

I was recently asked, “Why do you care so much about generosity?” The short answer is because God wants us, not our money, and I want others to know that. The long answer, however, begins 45 years ago.

In 1981, I made the biggest, best decision of my life: to become a follower of Jesus, converting from Buddhism. Since then, the Lord has guided me in all my major decisions since then. As my faith grew and I sought to deepen my relationship with Jesus, I was invited to attend a Journey of Generosityopens in a new tab (JOG). I was hesitant at first, thinking I was already generous because I regularly gave to causes beyond my tithe.

But attending that JOG changed my perspective and my life. I learned that God wanted my heart more than my finances. I was so convicted by this that I began facilitating JOGs so others could learn what I had learned and experience the same heart change. Years later, while facilitating a JOG in Thailand, I experienced a pivotal, God-appointed moment that affected me deeply.

When the JOG concluded, an elderly Thai Chinese woman shared that she wanted to receive Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She told me her friends had been sharing Jesus with her for years, but something during the JOG had pricked her heart. When I asked what had moved her to accept Jesus that day, she said, “How can I not? The Creator of all the universe, who had it all, would be so generous and give His only Son for me, and is now inviting me to accept Him as atonement for all my sins and have eternal life with Him in Heaven!”

I was moved to tears. How could she not say yes?

So, why do I care so much about generosity? Because generosity is the DNA of our living and loving Father in heaven. As imago Dei, image bearers of God, we’re called to be generous, just as He is. Generosity is the essence of the gospel, the Good News, that through His precious blood we have access to eternal life with Him and the washing away of our sins.

If you are as passionate about sharing your heart for generosity as I am, I invite you to consider joining us for JOG facilitator training on August 28. Please email me if you’d like details. And if you’re early in your generosity journey and would like to learn how to find more joy in your giving, it would be my pleasure to point you toward resourcesopens in a new tab and community that may help you grow, reflect, and align your heart with His will.

To connect with Kay, email him at khiramine@ncfgiving.comopens in a new tab.