10 Ways to Be Generous

Looking for ways to live a lifestyle of generosity? Here are ten ways to be generous with your time, talents, or treasure. 

1. Leave a kind review.

Leaving reviews is one easy way to support a business, artist, or author—but it’s easy to forget. We often tell our friends about a great meal at a restaurant but forget to write a positive review. Whether it’s a podcast, business, or book you enjoyed, take the time to share your experience and gratitude through an online review. 

2. Serve with missions.

You can make a difference in your community and beyond by partnering with Christ Fellowship Missions. From making meals for those in crisis to local programs for kids, there are many ways to help meet tangible needs in your community while sharing the love of Jesus. 

3. Carry cash to give as God prompts.

Pastor Robert Morris shared that he carries cash everywhere he goes to be ready to give whenever God prompts. He puts money in a card with a thoughtful Scripture verse, and whenever he feels led, he hands out one of the cards. Whether it’s at the grocery store or the gas station, we can reflect God’s heart of generosity wherever we go. 

4. Share your car, home, or food.

When our finances are tight, it’s easy to think we don’t have anything to give. But what about the basics you might overlook? Is there anyone who needs a ride to work or the airport? Would one of your friends or a local college student appreciate a home-cooked meal? Do you have any extra items in your pantry that you could share with a local food drive? 

5. Tithe or give offerings.

Put generosity into practice by giving tithes and offerings to the church you call home. A tithe is the first 10% of your income, and an offering is anything that goes above the tithe. Since God owns it all, we are simply giving back to Him what’s already His, but it can help us shift from an ownership mindset to a steward mindset as we learn to live generously. 

6. Pay for someone’s groceries or coffee.

If you’ve ever had a stranger pay for your coffee, you know how much it can make your day. Next time you are in line at the drive-through, give the cashier extra money to pay for the person who comes behind you. Or, if you’re in line at the grocery store, pay for someone else in line. 

7. Set aside time to pray for others.

Make a list of your friends and family who need prayer. Then, add those in your community, nation, and world to the list. Set aside some time to pray for everyone on the list. If you want to focus on praying for those who don’t know Jesus, here’s a prayer guide for you.

8. Practice generosity in secret.

In Matthew 6:4, Jesus says, “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Here are a few ways to give in secret: 

• Pay off someone’s layaway at a toy store during the holidays. 
• Send a card with a gift card but omit your name and return address.
• Buy a grocery gift card and leave it with the cashier to use for someone else in line.
• Refill someone’s parking meter when you notice it’s running low.

9. Leave a big tip.

We all love hearing stories about big tips, but how often do we tip big in our own life? The next time you have excellent service at a restaurant, think of an amount that would make your server’s day and leave a generous tip.

10. Send an email designed to help someone else.

Fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg starts her day with an email that helps someone else but doesn’t directly benefit her. What if you started each day with one email or text with the sole purpose of helping someone else? Share an inspiring Scripture, make a helpful connection, or send them encouraging words.

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