As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

1 Timothy 6:17-19

Most of us don’t consider ourselves to be rich, but we generally have more than we need if we live in the United States, don’t we. In the passage above, Paul instructs Timothy on how to instruct his fellow believers who had possessions.

• First, the rich are told to not put their hope in what they own, but they are to put their trust in the LORD.
• So good and to be “rich” in how we treat others.
• Be ready to share generously with those in need.

Sometimes, generosity is found in the time we spend with others. A generous person is willing to help and a generous person is also willing to share their wealth.

The most giving person I’ve known was my Dad. I knew Dad was faithful in giving to the local church and I witnessed how he invested in the lives of others with no hint of partiality, but after he died I learned he was more generous than any of us ever imagined. Through the years, different people have told us stories of how Dad helped them – for some, he paid off debts and others he gave of his time, but generosity was a consistent marker in his life.

We live in a world that is generally selfish. Let’s make a point to make a difference by being generous.