Luke 6:30-31 Give to everyone who asks and don’t demand your things back from those who take them. Treat people in the same way that you want them to treat you.

Having a heart, and sharing a generous heart, can be an easy thing when it’s our choice.  Writing a check for offering, donating a coat or food to the needy or even dropping some change in a red kettle makes us feel good.  It’s not hard to find an hour a week to help someone learn to read or maybe open your house to a victim of a fire.

When we want to be generous with the abundance God has shown us, it comes easy.  However, what about when we’re forced to do something?  Well then, that doesn’t come so easy now does it?  Recently, I was standing in line and observed someone stepping in front of several people.  The tension surrounding that event was all but tangible, and a few folks even made comments to point out the person who had violated what was considered the norm in this public/social situation.  I’ll admit that I was a bit frustrated as well, and wished that this person would be forced to the back of the line.

Then I heard a voice saying, “Rob, do you know what’s going on in their life?  Maybe they need to get out of here a bit quicker.  Be patient!”  You see, if I’d known that they had a sick child waiting in the car who wanted to get home, or that they were running late to work and if they weren’t on time they’d lose their job, I’d be willing to be generous.  But because I didn’t have their story, my heart had become hard.  I was seeking revenge.  Our God is just, and I believe seeks justice, but our God is not vengeful.  So, the next time you’re faced with a situation in which you are forced in some way to be generous and your heart begins to harden a bit, ask yourself – am I seeking justice or revenge?  If you’re honest with yourself and open to the spirit, that little voice inside will guide you to your answer.

Pray today, “Gracious God, guide me today that I might know and understand how to be generous even when I may not want to be.  Amen”