In Luke Chapter 7 verses 1–10, Jesus heals the servant of a centurion soldier at Capernaum. These verses illustrate the faith this soldier has that Jesus can heal his favorite servant.

 

We also learn in these verses that the Jewish people of the city knew of this particular centurion, and put in a good word for him with Jesus, because he had built the Jewish temple in Capernaum on their behalf.

 

Imagine that! A gentile, a man who was a soldier of some esteem in command of other soldiers in his city, built the local Jewish synagogue.

 

This brief window into the centurion’s character shows us that generosity can and should extend not just within our own family or our most familiar community, but to others who look, think, and act differently than we do.

 

This man’s willingness to complete such an act on behalf of the Jewish people in his community is an example for us today, that we should seek to be generous whenever God provides the opportunity to do so—even if the recipient is not who we expected it to be.

 

2 Corinthians 9:6 says, “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.”

 

A godly man is generous.

 

Let’s pray.

 

Lord, you have given us so much! Every good thing comes from you, and we are blessed to call you Father. Plant a seed of generosity in our hearts and help it grow, that we will share the gifts you’ve given freely, and at every opportunity. In Jesus’ name, amen.