By Briana Bass, Christian Romance Author, Devotional Writer & Certified Professional Coach

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

Have you ever told your pet that they’re a “good girl” or a “good boy?” We associate good with appropriate behavior or obedience. When we read Galatians in most translates, we think of good as the opposite of evil. Of course that’s a fruit of the Spirit! God is good so it stands to reason that we can embody and demonstrate that same goodness.

But some Biblical translations say generosity instead of goodness. That’s a bit of a change, isn’t it? Anyone can be good if good is defined as following the rules. To be generous, though, that requires sacrifice. You have to give of yourself, perhaps through your time or resources. We’re not always willing to do that. Oh, we’ll say we are, and we’ll toss cash or a check in the offering plate on Sunday morning, but generosity requires more than an action. It’s about heart posture. If you’re putting money in the plate because it’s socially expected instead of giving because you genuinely feel called by God to do so, then it’s not actually generosity.

I’m not saying this to throw anyone under the bus! Most of the time, our hearts are in the right place. But, if we’re being honest, we have all been selfish at one point or another. We’re relieved when our schedules conflict and we can’t volunteer for an activity we didn’t want to do. Or, on the other hand, we jump at the chance to volunteer because it’s an opportunity to preen and show off. Bit not good, isn’t it? Certainly it’s ungenerous. We’re not producing good fruit in those situations. So let’s examine how true generosity can change hearts, minds, and lives.

Small Acts, Great Love

Most translations of Galatians 6:9-10 say something along the lines of, “Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season if we don’t give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.” But what if we replace good with generous? Then it reads:

Let’s not be weary in being generous, for we will reap in due season if we don’t give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is generous toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.

Christmas is coming soon. Stores are already decorating and playing Christmas music while you shop. People are posting signs that read “Peace on Earth” and “Good Will to Men.” Let’s try the same exercise and replace good with generous. Then the sign reads “Generosity to Men.” It’s no longer about being on your best behavior; it’s about going above and beyond to care for other people and genuinely wanting to do it. That doesn’t mean you stop giving to charity this holiday season-please donate to your favorite non-profit or charitable organization-but you can add giving more. Not necessarily more money or more toys, but more of you.

Showing up matters. Keeping your word matters. Putting in the effort matters. Those are ways we can all be generous. Give of your time and talents in addition to your tithes. Do good by being generous. Now that’s good fruit!

More Blessed to Give

One of my favorite Bible verses is Romans 12:21: Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. I’m the kind of person who believes the good guys will always win. When it comes to the cosmic battle of good versus evil, God versus Satan, there’s already a winner. And it’s not just a good guy, it’s the best guy! That doesn’t mean we don’t have a role to play. We know there’s evil in the world, and we have a responsibility to counter it. Generosity is a great way to keep evil at bay.

Evil doesn’t like generosity. It prefers selfishness. God, who is the ultimate source of good, is not selfish. Kind of hard to be selfish when You sacrifice Yourself for the whole world. That’s the level of generosity we should strive for in our lives. If we call ourselves the good guys, then we have to be willing to sacrifice for others. After all, generosity is sacrifice. When you sacrifice your money, your belongings, your time, and your skills, you help people and make the world a better place. What a great way to overcome evil!

Changed For Good

We talk a lot in Christian circles about being lights in the darkness and sharing God’s love with others. Well, generosity is how we make it happen. Generosity can change hearts and minds. The people on the receiving end of your generosity will know that they are supported, loved, and valued. It’ll change you, too. When you are generous to others, you’ll see the world as Jesus sees it.

So let’s produce good fruit, not because we are good people but because we are generous people. How can you be generous today?

All scripture is quoted from World English Bible, public domain.