Romans 10:1-3 – “Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation. For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.”
A Relationship with Jesus
“Rules without relationship lead to rebellion. Truth without relationship leads to rejection”, states Josh McDowell as he shares about his philosophy of parenting. In the same way, as children of God, our relationship with Jesus Christ is foundational to a life-long commitment to a life of generosity. The Lord of the Universe is a God of relationship, and He has extended to everyone a personal invitation to be reconciled in relationship to Him through His Son Jesus Christ.
Have you accepted His invitation? If you have, then you recognize how precious His friendship is and how the example Jesus set of Giving His Life sets the highest standard of generosity. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.” We cannot out give God.
What good is a gift when it has not been opened? Our journey of generosity begins when we receive His greatest gift. Having zeal (or enthusiasm) for a life of generosity is only part of the equation. Zeal that is rooted in a solid foundation and in a relationship with God is the abundant life that Jesus offers all of us. As we give, it becomes an outward expression of that love relationship vs. a set of rules or obligations we follow to “establish our own righteousness” before God.
Receiving the Greatest Gift
Do you know Jesus personally? Not religion. Not going through the motions of church and trying to live your best. But a special and intimate relationship with the Lord of the universe. Ephesians 2:8-9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Jesus gave everything so that we may live, and it was all sufficient. A life of generosity flows from a love relationship with our Father and not duty or rules. If you have any doubt about where you stand please take that step of faith today. He is waiting.