35 Days of Generosity – Week 4 Devotionals – Pursue Relationships

4.1: Generosity That Draws Us Near

By Hal Williams
Development Officer

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. — Philippians 2:4 

Generosity is often thought of as giving—offering our time, money, or resources to meet a need. But true, Christ-centered generosity reaches beyond the gift itself; it reaches toward people. It’s not just about what we give, but how and why we give. 

In the 35-Day Generosity Challenge, we are reminded that generosity reflects God’s heart—a heart that doesn’t just give from a distance but actually draws near in love. The gospel itself is the ultimate act of relational generosity. Jesus didn’t simply offer help from afar; He entered our world, He shared our burdens, and He gave His life for us. 

This truth beautifully connects to one of the distinctives of Children’s Hunger Fund—to pursue relationships through generosity. When a Food Pak is delivered, it’s not only food that’s being shared; it’s the beginning of a relationship. Volunteers and church partners step into homes, learn names, hear stories, and share the hope of Christ. Every act of giving becomes an invitation to community, to connection, to grace. 

As we continue in our challenge, may we see generosity not as a transaction, but as a pathway to transformation—both into the lives we touch and in our own hearts.  

Let’s give as Jesus gave: personally, intentionally, and with a heart that seeks relationship. 

4.2: From a Garden to a Cross: The First Act of Generosity 

By Savannah Nix 
Executive Director of Administration and Communications

Generosity is one of those things that feels right — but doesn’t always feel good. It’s not easy. It often costs something. And in a world that often says, ‘Look out for yourself,’ generosity can feel risky.  

Still, we love stories about it — right? Random acts of kindness, such as paying for a stranger’s coffee or helping someone in need. Those moments are beautiful. They move us. They remind us that there’s still good in the world.  

But here’s the thing: none of that began with us. Generosity didn’t start with a feel-good story on TikTok or a news story. It started in the garden — with God.  

From the garden to the cross, God has been pursuing us in a posture of generosity, sending Jesus in the ultimate act of generosity so that we could live a transformed life that reflects that same kind of generosity into the world around us.  

“God so loved the world that he GAVE his one and only Son, so that whoever believes in him would not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16   

And if God is your Father — and He’s generous — then generosity is part of your spiritual DNA. Generosity begins with God. And our generosity is a reflection of who He is — and what it means to follow Him.  

Ephesians 2:8-10 reminds us that we are saved for good works. In what ways is God calling you to be generous? What good works is He inviting you to do—acts that put your faith into motion and allow His generosity to flow through you?  

Today, ask God to open your eyes to a simple way you can live generously—whether it’s with your time, your words, or your resources.   

Remember, generosity isn’t just a good idea. It’s a response to the love of Jesus. 

4.3: What Philippians 2 Teaches Us About Everyday Generosity

By Karissa Potvin
Receptionist

Generosity takes on many different appearances throughout life. The one that keeps coming to mind as I think about generosity, and one that is often overlooked, is being generous with our time and attention.   

Philippians 2:1-4 says, “Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion,  then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”  

It’s so easy to get swept up in the busyness of day-to-day life, but when we slow down, look at those around us, and give our time to be a blessing to someone else, it’s so impactful! Little ways that I love to practice this are by making “get well” bags for friends or family that are sick, picking someone up when they are without a car, using a full day to help someone pack up and move, leaving thoughtful notes of encouragement on the desks of those I work with, checking in on someone I know is struggling and lending a listening ear, or by taking an extra five minutes to ask someone how I can be praying for them. Being generous with your time leads to stronger relationships with those around you.   

Being generous doesn’t always look like one big act. Sometimes, it’s made up of hundreds or thousands of little things that show those around you that you see them, love them, and want to bless them with the time and resources that the Lord has so graciously given to you.