By Erin Cackler
mission development minister, Presiding Bishopric

Generosity is more than an action; it is a way of being that reflects God’s abundant love. In a world shaped by scarcity and transaction, true generosity invites us into abundance and connection. It is not about obligation, but about allowing what we receive to flow naturally into the lives of others.

Whole-life Stewardship

In Community of Christ, generosity is an expression of whole-life stewardship—using our entire lives to bring about God’s purposes on Earth. Everything we have—our time, talents, testimony, and treasures—is entrusted to us by God to be shared in ways that bring healing and hope. But stewardship is not just about what we return to God; it is about how we use what we keep.

Whole-life stewardship expands generosity beyond isolated actions into a daily way of living, ensuring that every aspect of our lives reflects God’s purposes. Instead of asking only what we will give back, it calls us to consider how we use everything in ways that remain faithfully focused on God’s mission.

When we truly receive God’s love, generosity becomes a natural response—not just in our giving, but in the way we live, make choices, and care for creation and one another.

The Overflowing Cup

To illustrate this, imagine:

• A jug representing God.
• Water inside the jug symbolizing God’s love.
• An empty cup—you.
• A tray beneath, symbolizing the world.

As God pours water into the cup, it fills and eventually overflows, spilling onto the tray below. This is how generosity works. When we recognize and receive the love God pours into our lives, our hearts are filled with gratitude. As our cup overflows, love and goodness naturally extend to others.

As God pours water into the cup, it fills and eventually overflows, spilling onto the tray below. This is how generosity works.

But generosity is not just about giving; it is about receiving. In a culture that often equates worth with self-sufficiency, accepting help, grace, or love can be difficult. Yet Jesus demonstrated the humility of receiving, allowing others to minister to him. Just as a cup must be filled before it can overflow, we, too, must be open to receiving God’s love and the generosity of others.

A Way of Life

Jesus taught that love is not something to hoard; it is meant to be shared. When we allow God’s love to fill us and we extend that love outward, we help fulfill Christ’s mission in the world. Every act of generosity—whether a kind word, a helping hand, or a financial gift that supports mission—allows love to flow beyond us, making an impact we may never see.

Generosity and the Enduring Principles

Generosity is deeply connected to the Enduring Principles. These values guide how we live, love, and give. When we practice generosity, we embody them:

• Grace and Generosity—As we freely receive God’s love and blessings, we are invited to respond with generosity, creating a rhythm of giving and receiving that nurtures and sustains us all.
• Blessings of Community—We are not meant to navigate life alone. Generosity strengthens our connections, and when we give collectively, our impact is multiplied.
• Sacredness of Creation—Sharing our resources wisely reflects our commitment to caring for God’s creation and ensuring its well-being for future generations.
• Worth of All Persons—Every act of giving affirms the sacred worth of others, recognizing that all deserve love, dignity, and the resources to thrive.
• All Are Called—Generosity is not reserved for a few; it is part of discipleship. Each of us is called to share in ways that reflect God’s love and mission.
• Responsible Choices—Living generously is a spiritual practice. How we choose to share our time, talents, testimony, and treasure shapes the kind of world we create together.
• Pursuit of Peace (Shalom)—Generosity is an act of peacemaking, fostering justice, reconciliation, and healing in our communities and beyond.
• Unity in Diversity—We give differently based on our gifts and circumstances, but every act of generosity—no matter its form—strengthens the whole.
• Continuing Revelation—Generosity is a response to God’s ongoing guidance, calling us to new ways of sharing and living as disciples. As we listen for God’s direction, we are invited to expand our understanding of generosity and act in ways that reflect divine love.

Doctrine and Covenants 165:1c reminds us: “Opportunities abound in your daily lives if you choose to see them.” Generosity is not reserved for special moments—it is a daily practice, a way of life.

Living Generosity Daily

Generosity is not just something we do—it is how we live. When we embrace abundance, share what we’ve been given, and recognize our interconnectedness, we help shape a world of love, healing, and peace.

So, how will you let your cup overflow? How will you live generously today? Opportunities are all around us—every day, in every moment. May your generosity be a blessing to others and a testament to the abundant love that first has been poured into you.

Adapted from a Witness the Word message.