Divine Definitions: (1) The Giver of gifts; the Person with the most lavish generosity; (2) The Benefactor of examples and life lessons; (3) The application of devotion to the universe <He bestows his love upon all his children.>
Observation: Many great people have lived remarkable lives: Jesus, Buddha, Lao-Tse, Saints (known and unknown). These lives, lived in the service of The Truth, are a gift, an example of how to live. All personalities can choose to amplify themselves to the exalted character they are meant to be. And when they do, they become a bestower of the gift of themselves upon humanity.
Comment: Among the gifts which have been bestowed upon us are: life, personality, body, mind, spirit, grace, freewill, and revelation (external and internal).
GENEROUS
Human Definitions: (1) liberal in sharing; unselfish; a warmhearted readiness to give; bountiful; (2) free from meanness or pettiness; open-handed; (3) magnanimous; noble-minded; gracious
Balancing Quality: Practical
Too Far: poverty
Quotes:
• If you haven’t got any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble. — Leslie Townes “Bob” Hope(1903-2003) American comedian
• If you get great pleasure and joy out of giving of yourself, then your “selfishness” manifests itself as generosity. — Judy Kain (1948-) American Empath
Parable: The Bible story of the employer who paid those who worked all day the same as those who worked just at the end of the day shows generosity to be a greater quality than consistency.
Comment: Generosity does not mean only the giving of money. It also includes the sharing of ideas, establishing positive systems and infrastructure, caring for physical and emotional needs, even helping control those who cannot control themselves.
An attitude of generosity may or may not include an overt or hidden sense of payback. But the best generosity gives without expectations.
Observation: One of God’s most heartwarming characteristics is Absolute Generosity.
Symbol: a mountain (Chinese)