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(Acts 20:35, Proverbs 11:25, Matthew 6:19-24)

Maybe you’re used to thinking of generosity as a “have-to” -- a necessary but unappealing aspect of the Christian life. If so, let’s take a look at four simple reasons why it’s really the most intelligent way to live.

1. Generosity is genius because it changes our lives.

People who give generously feel great about it and find themselves blessed in ways they never expected. Great things happen in them, and great things happen to those around them. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). Proverbs 11:25 tells us, “A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

2. Generosity connects us with others.

When people are generous and gracious, they exude love and happiness. There’s something very attractive about those who have a sense of kindness, who do nice things for others, who pick up a bill or go out of their way to do a favor. Generous people create positive feelings in their relationships. They cause others to want to be around them.

3. Generosity helps us invest in what matters.

Generosity is also genius because it’s a guaranteed, high-yield investment. This is more than just a pragmatic issue. Spiritually, generosity protects us from short-sighted, bad investments of our time, our talent, and our treasure, and creates long-term wealth.

In a sense, everything you do is an investment. You are always pouring your time, talent, and treasure into something. And whatever you’re pouring into, that’s where your heart is.

4. Generosity frees our hearts.

Jesus wants to protect us from bad investments and set us up for everlasting ones. The principle is about something far more important than our finances; it’s a heart issue.

Money is the mirror of our heart before God. If you want an accurate measure of your relationship with God, take a look at your checkbook and your credit card statements. Notice where your money is going. That will tell you what you’re devoted to.

There are two kinds of treasures in life: those that are temporary and those that last forever. We have to decide which kind we are going to live for -- whether we are going to live for now or for eternity. If our eyes are on the things of God, He’s our master. If our eyes are on the things of the world, then it’s our master.