We’d all like to be a little bit more generous, wouldn’t we? Whether it’s being able to support and give to charities that matter to us or wanting to do acts of kindness like buying someone’s grocery shop at the supermarket, we often associate our degree of generosity to the amount in our bank account.

Whilst it’s true – having some financial stability does enable you to be able to give more financially, the principle of generosity actually has very little to do with cash. It’s not unusual for wealthier people to be more tightfisted or frugal. Sometimes, it’s those without that seem to be the most open-handed and generous. Generosity is a kingdom principle – not a financial one.

The chances are, you would like to give more and so would I. 2 Corinthians 9:11 says “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”

This verse is talking about financial giving but what is interesting that the promise is that we will be “enriched in every way”. Blessing flows through every area of our life so that we can be generous in every way, on every occasion.

Taking that principle, here are three ways that you can live generously without any change in your financial situation.

Be generous with your attention

This is a massive challenge for us, particularly in the “notification age’. I’m horrified by how, during conversations, I pull out my phone to check what is happening on social media or with other people. People will soon notice if you’re always “that guy”. Try and make an effort to give every conversation and person your full attention. You’ll be surprised how hard and yet rewarding it is.

Be generous with your time

Being generous with your time doesn’t mean running yourself ragged for others. We all have obligations and responsibilities but what we can do is make time for others. Do you know someone sick who needs you to check in on them? Would your grandparents appreciate a phone call? Is there some time you can give to your church or the people in it? Time has tremendous value. Spend it lavishly on things that matter.

Be generous with your words

How we spend our words proves the health of our hearts (Luke 6:45). Are you quick to compliment others, speaking and believing the best? Are you frugal with encouragement or do you spread it far and wide? Your words are worth more than gold – be as generous and extravagant as you like with good ones!