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A Generous Wife - Day 72

A Generous Wife - Day 72

A Generous Wife

By Mike Stickler

Proverbs 31:20
She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy.

Over the years, I have been blessed to see my wife, Kim, in action. When you have been married as long as we have, you get to know one another pretty well. You can tell when your spouse is happy, sad, joyful, or even irritated. But what I enjoy most are those moments when I watch generous character win out over all other emotion.

At times, those who have been in public ministry, as we have, encounter folks who donā€™t agree with them. We have detractors and, at times, some very harsh critics. What I have seen in Kim, though, is that she always tries to be kind, gentle, and gracious to everyoneā€”toward those who have been critical of me, or even toward those she distrusts.

I believe this comes from a deep empathy for human nature that, apart from God and given our own devices, will always do the selfish and self-centered thing.

But the Father, in His wonderful mercy for each of us, saves us from our sinful nature, opens our eyes to the world as He sees it, and equips us to act as He would act. He gave us these generous gifts even as we are in no way deserving of them.

When you come to understand this about yourselfā€’deep within your heartā€’generosity becomes not just the right thing; but also the only thing.

Some would say, ā€œArenā€™t you afraid someone might take advantage of you?ā€

I think ā€˜afraidā€™ is the wrong wordā€”I know that people will take advantage of us.

Isnā€™t that the very definition of generosity?
... to give expecting nothing in return, knowing full well people will take advantage?
... to give because itā€™s the right thing?
... and for no other reason or motivation?

I know thatā€™s what my wife has demonstrated it to me year after year: She opens her hand to the poor, and reaches out her hands to the needy.

Itā€™s good to have Christā€™s example living in my home, for me to emulate each day.

Todayā€™s Generosity Challenge:
Write down five different observations of a spouse, parent, or friend being generous to others, especially when it was difficult to do so.

What have you learned from those five examples about yourself?

Write what you've learned here.

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About Michael Stickler

Mike is an author, radio host, and a highly sought after motivational speaker. His best-selling book, A Journey to Generosity, is widely acclaimed throughout the Christian community. He is the publisher of Generous Living Magazine and writes for the Christian Post, 'A Generous Life' column.

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