Generosity & Influence in Friendship
By Pastor Nate Rayl
GENEROSITY POSITIVELY IMPACTS FRIENDSHIP
When I think of the word “generosity” my close friend, Lance, immediately comes to mind. He has a unique influence on my life because of his generosity — Lance is one of the most generous people I know! He is the kind of friend who brings your favorite candy bar to the office, and gives it to you just because he was thinking of you (did you catch that he actually knows what your favorite candy bar is?). His generosity isn’t self-serving; he just loves to give. And his generosity not only gives me a fix for my sweet tooth, but more importantly makes me feel appreciated and valued. Because I know Lance appreciates and values me, it allows him to influence in my life in greater ways, to speak into the circumstances of my life in a way someone less invested in me may not be able to.
GENEROSITY OPENS THE DOOR FOR DEEPER FRIENDSHIPS
In the moment of giving we cannot imagine how our actions may entirely impact the life of another. Generosity has a way of sticking with us. I don’t know about you, but I have vivid memories of family and friends who, over twenty years ago, displayed generosity by their actions.
One time my grandfather took us on a family ski trip — that investment of his time, energy and resources was not only an extravagant gift, but it also allowed us to spend time with him and deepen our friendship. In high school, one of my teachers would open the weight room after school and let us come work out and hang out with him — he wasn’t just giving us a place to build muscle, he was giving us a space to ask questions and learn life lessons. Both my grandfather and my teacher were intentionally deepening relationships through their generosity.
A GENEROUS SPIRIT IS CRITICAL TO ADDING VALUE TO OTHERS
Generously adding values to others is rare, which is why the impact of it gives us influence in another’s life. Do you want to have influence with people? If your answer is yes, here are a few questions to consider: Are you a generous person? Do you give with strings attached? What could you do this week to show generosity?
As you begin to apply generosity in your own life, keep it simple. Maybe you need to learn what someone’s favorite candy bar is, or maybe your generosity can address a deeper need. Whatever the case, don’t expect anything in return. Over time you’ll see that practicing generosity will become more natural for you, and you will have the potential to influence others, because they know they are appreciated and valued by you.
ACTS 20:35 — “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
