Flaming liberal . . . a term never used to describe me. But I wish it was in one area – generosity.

If you ask my kids who’s the most giving, humble man they know, they’ll say, “Grandpa Alba” (my dad). As a kid, I wondered why my dad gave away so much to others. But now I get it. He gave because his heart overflowed with outrageous generosity. My dad and I are both conservative in doctrine, but I want to be like him in another way – as a flaming liberal in giving.

The key to liberal giving isn’t your checking account; it’s your caring account. We can give from an overflowing caring account if we’ll first give ourselves to God. “Their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability …. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us” (2 Cor. 8:2-5).

Abundance is a waterfall flowing from people who gush with generosity. Like my wife, Dad simply models 2 Corinthians 9:6-7: “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Cheerful givers are predisposed to act with my family’s “G” character quality:  Generosity – the overflow of character.

Generosity:  The overflow of character

I’ve joked with my kids that humble generosity skips a generation, so they have a chance. Actually, I tried to show them how generosity is a heart as well as a habit. It grows from planting and harvesting, not pursuing and hoarding. For when you give as unto God, your glass is never half-empty or half-full; it’s a full blessing for whoever needs it poured into their lives.

When hearts overflow, so does giving. For example, I remember as a kid riding with Dad to secretly give cash to a man in need. The cash didn’t solve that man’s problems, but it’s what Dad had. So he gave it, expecting nothing in return. Over and over, I saw how time, energy, and money follow your heart. And Dad’s heart gave without hesitation.

Generosity is contagious. It attracts and connects. While kids love getting gifts, they grow to admire the character that gives to meet needs. Generosity includes money, but it goes so much deeper to meet emotional, spiritual, and relational needs. Like saving faith, God’s overflowing generosity is a free gift. Granted, not gained. Experienced, not earned.

Generosity also reflects the size of your world. When you live in a small world, you complain about small problems. But when you live in a big world, you see big possibilities. You dream big. You give and live generously. You overflow.

Overflowing generosity originates from God, who gives to all generously and without reproach (James 1:5). Our cup overflows because God prepares a table for us and anoints our head with oil (Psalm 23:5). Jesus came to give overflowing life (John 10:10). And by the power of the Holy Spirit, we may overflow in hope (Romans 15:13).

Generous kids are birthed from generous parents who increase and overflow in love (1 Thessalonians 3:12). They speak from overflowing hearts (Luke 6:45). And they honor God from overflowing first fruits (Proverbs 3:9). I want to lead my kids to be openhanded, unselfish, and unsparing. Like their grandparents, may they be lavish in love, sympathetic in speech, profuse in praise, compassionate in charity, altruistic in aim, and abundant in actions.

Thankfully, God’s generosity doesn’t skip a generation. It never runs out. It overflows like an endless waterfall of God’s grace. You may be naturally generous, or you may be a natural hoarder like me, but we can all be bridges of God’s grace because we’re all beneficiaries of His generosity (John 3:16). Indeed, we’re never more like our Eternal Father than when we lovingly and cheerfully model His flamingly-liberal generosity.

What’s your “G” character quality?

Which of these “G” character qualities do you want to describe your family? Generous, Gentle, Giver, Glowing, Goal-oriented, Godly, Good-natured, Graceful, Gracious, Grateful, Guilt-free, or something else? My kids picked Grace, Gracious, and Grateful. Remember that your 26 A-to-Z character qualities don’t have to be who you already are . . . just who you’re committed to become.

In order to help you choose, share, and live out your own A-to-Z Secret Sauce of family character, click here for a Free Printable Workbook, instructions, and 300 sample character qualities.

Questions: How could you live with overflowing generosity, and how would it impact your kids? What “G” word expresses the character you want for your family, and why?