Generous, Yet Discerning

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Luke 6:38

God calls us to live generously—not only with our money or possessions, but with our time, our hearts, our patience, our understanding, and our forgiveness. True generosity mirrors Christ’s love, who gave of Himself even when we didn’t deserve it.

But generosity is not foolishness. It is not blind. There is wisdom in recognizing when your giving is no longer a blessing but a burden—when it becomes an enabler for someone else’s irresponsibility, manipulation, or sin.

Some people will see your kindness and try to use it. They will pretend to value your presence, not because they love you, but because they love what they can get from you. And while we are called to love even our enemies, we are not called to stay in cycles of emotional or spiritual abuse.

Sometimes, constantly giving can actually hinder someone’s growth in faith. When a person always relies on your help, they may never learn to rely on God. Your generosity might unintentionally replace their need to seek the Lord for themselves. This is where discernment becomes crucial—knowing when to help, and when to step back so God can step in.

Jesus Himself walked away from crowds who only wanted miracles but not the message. He gave generously, but He also knew when to move on. He showed compassion, but He also discerned hearts. That is our example.

Discernment is the wisdom to know where to sow your seeds. Not every heart is good soil. And even when we sow in faith, we must not be discouraged when some seeds fall on rocky ground or are choked by thorns (Matthew 13:1–23). That’s why the Holy Spirit is such a gift—He whispers when to give, when to stay, and when to walk away.

Let your generosity be led by love, but guarded by wisdom. Give as God leads you—wholeheartedly, joyfully, and wisely. Trust that the Holy Spirit will help you know when your giving brings life, and when it might be time to let God do the rest.