Divine Generosity

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Allow me to address this word “freely.” Far too often it is confused with unconditionalness. Freely is the giving part of love. But we need to look at this a bit more closely. There are two passages we must consider. First, let us turn to Peter’s second letter. Then we will go to Paul’s letter to the Romans.

Peter writes, “Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything that pertains to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” (1:3) Next, Paul says, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” (Rom. 8:32)

There are two things I want you to note. First, everything that we need has been given and it is given freely. It is interesting that the word “freely” used here comes from the same root as the word “grace.” It indicates “a gracious bestowal as a gift.” I have made the point previously, but I will repeat it, God’s gifts must be possessed by faith before they become a part of our experience!

Now then, this is to be our attitude toward our fellow believers. Look at what Paul says, “And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." (Eph. 4:32) God expects us, yea, He commands that truth He has inspired and revealed to us, is to be lived out by us here on earth.

There is a reason I expound on the idea of freely. I think there is hardly anything else that so reveals the mind and heart of God. In like manner I can think of nothing more that should be our mind and heart than freely. Our attitude should be the same as our Lord’s. (Phil. 2:5)