Theme for Week Four
Cultivating Generosity
At its core, generosity is an expression of love and compassion, enriching both the giver and the receiver in immeasurable ways.
- Shannon Duckworth
Cultivating generosity is our focus for this week, and we are grateful for Shannon Duckworth's reflection yesterday to start our thinking on this vital fruit of the Spirit.
The root word for generosity is gene, meaning “give birth.” Like birth itself, generosity creates new possibilities. A financial gift can spark fresh beginnings. A word of encouragement can uplift a person’s spirit. A simple deed can be the catalyst for reviving hope or creating unexpected connections. Shannon’s story about a stranger giving a ride up a steep hill illustrates how even small acts of kindness can open into moments of grace.
The beauty of cultivating generosity lies in how it blesses both the one who gives and the one who receives. As we share what we have—whether material goods, time, or presence—our own spiritual life deepens and grows. This mutual enrichment reveals something of how God’s love moves among us, flowing through every act of giving.
Making it Personal: What is your response to the quote from Shannon Duckworth? When have you benefitted from someone else’s act of generosity? Can you think of a time that you were enriched when you practiced generosity?
Listen To Our Lent Podcast Episodes
We also invite you to listen to the Living Compass Spirituality and Wellness Podcast hosted by Scott Stoner. This is a year-round, weekly podcast; however, during Lent, there will be two new episodes each week to enrich your experience of our Lenten readings on Cultivating the Fruit of the Spirit.
You can listen to the podcast on our website by clicking HERE. You can also find this podcast in your favorite podcast listening app (Apple, Google, Spotify, etc.)—just search for Living Compass Spirituality and Wellness