Some time ago, I read the account of Jesus feeding five thousand people with five barley loaves and two small fish, and what struck me was that after everyone had been fed, there were twelve baskets of food leftover.

“And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those who were sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. So when they were filled, He said to the disciple. (Matthew 16:24)

A disciple is another word for a follower of Christ, one who is learning to be like his Master. As a disciple, you follow Jesus Christ, who is the Master and by living like Him you become more like Him. 

 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: ²² Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: (1 Peter 2:21-22), ‘

And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. ¹² When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. ¹³ Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.” John 6:11-13.

Generosity: An aspect of God

One of the attributes of God’s nature, one aspect of love, we could say, is its generosity or abundance. The five thousand people in the crowd were not just kept from starvation – they were generously provided for! The abundance was sufficient to be gathered up and put to good use so that none of that blessing would be wasted.

It is God’s nature that I am to put on during my time here on earth as a disciple of Jesus. (2 Peter 1:3-4) This generosity, which is born of love, is something that can also become a part of my nature.

Jesus had the same mind as His Father. His life, while He was here on earth, showed us how we can also get that mind. As His disciples, we are to follow that example of living according to the Word of God that He left us. By doing that, by giving up our own will and opinions in order to follow in the steps of our Master, we can exchange our thoughts for God’s thoughts.

Characteristics of a disciple

Reading this story awoke in me a desire to be like Jesus in spirit – to have the same attitude and longing to give. To offer my time, attention, resources, forgiveness (if there is something to forgive) generously. There is nothing beautiful or divine about grudging, heartless giving. True forgiveness, for example, is from the heart and is able to bless and love the offender. This is the generosity that God offers to us. Like the twelve baskets left over, there is more than enough, and to spare.

Such giving creates a blessing over the people whom I have to do with. This, in turn, has an effect on the people they have to do with. In this way, nothing is wasted, and I find myself blessed too, contributing to a sense of thriving and well-being around me and witness to the power and wonder of Jesus’ love for mankind.

Stinginess, meanness, and heartlessness are the opposite of God’s nature. Generosity and a desire to give and bless are characteristics that belong to a disciple of Jesus Christ.

So when you have the opportunity to give do it out of your heart of love. God loves a cheerful giver and it is more blessed to give than to receive. The more you give is a sign of your inheritance stored up in heaven.

With these words let it be a step for you to love the Lord and this ministry. If you feel the burden to DONATE hit the button on the top of this page and may Almighty God bless and keep you in His will.