Reflect God’s generosity

“No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are healthy, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are unhealthy, your body also is full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is full of light, and no part of it dark, it will be just as full of light as when a lamp shines its light on you.”

Luke 11:33–36

Light permeates everything. As a child I became interested in photography. In those days, processing the film meant setting up a darkroom to turn the negatives into photos. I learned that if the film was exposed to any light before it was taken through a series of chemical baths, the image would be ruined. My dear long-suffering mother allowed me the use of a basement room, and I lined the inside of the doorframe with black tape so there were no gaps around the door when it was shut. It took several layers to block out all the light. Even so, I had to be careful every time I entered the room not to disturb the makeshift barrier. I was impressed by how persistently the light found the smallest gap.

Like a lighthouse, God’s generosity to us shines throughout the world and penetrates the darkest places. We may turn our backs to it, but our shadows will still be proof of the light. When we turn toward the light, we can see clearly.

As God’s light shines, it may reveal our own lack of generosity. But as followers of Jesus, we are given the Holy Spirit to help tease out those pockets of darkness.

I have been on the journey toward generosity for a while, and I invite you to join me. Let’s allow God’s bright light to show us how we can shine with generosity.

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12

• Make a list of how God has been generous to you—in gifts of family, friends, health, curiosity, love, humor, wonder, and the beauty around you.
• Determine to take steps toward generosity in your own life as you work through these devotions.

May we all reflect God’s generous Spirit.

 

This ‘Moment for the Soul’ is the first in the devotional book Steps Toward Generosity, co-written with Ted W. Nickel. If you enjoyed this reflection, click below to view a longer sample of the book.