Adventures in Generosity: Ninja Generosity
March 19, 2026
I have been mulling over the godly characteristic of generosity for a few weeks now. The Apostle Paul reminded the Ephesians in Acts 20:35 that Jesus taught ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’ (NLT).
Acts of generosity are intended to produce thanksgiving to God and lead people to better understand God’s goodness. We are the hands and feet of God on the earth, so our generous actions are how God reaches other people. Generosity is defined as freely giving time, money, resources without expecting anything in return.
A generous person is not looking for men to praise them. They are always pointing to God. Jesus taught that giving and making offerings are to be done in private. He assures us that the reward from God is far more precious and everlasting than the praise of man.
Matthew 6:1-4
“Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven. 2 When you give to someone in need, don’t do as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get. 3 But when you give to someone in need, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your gifts in private, and your Father, who sees everything, will reward you. (NLT)
Generosity should be a partnership with God. Look for a nudging from God. He may let you overhear a conversation or He might put a specific amount in your heart. If I don’t know if God wants me to be generous, I ask Him. It is not about giving indiscriminately, it is about carrying out God’s plan in partnership with God.
I like to think of it as a being a generosity ninja conducting covert operations. You don’t talk about it, but you see if you can bless someone without them knowing who is blessing them. This can take a lot of different forms. Tucking a few $20 bills in the diaper bag of a parent when their back is turned. Sending money through a third party and asking them not to mention who it is from. Sending an unsigned note. Saying something like “God told me to give this to you” and quickly walking away. Paying someone’s restaurant tab and asking the waiter not to say who did it. Scooping the snow off someone’s sidewalk before they see who it is.
Believe it or not, this is great fun. Not every act of kindness needs to be anonymous. If you are texting a friend obviously, they will know it’s you. I have a friend whose notes or messages say, “God put you on my heart today.” Although not anonymous, she is pointing to God, not herself. 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 shows us how God responds to someone who wants to partner with Him in generosity.
And [God] Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity].
11 Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, and [your generosity as it is] administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God. (AMPC)
Prayer: Father, You are a generous God and I’d like to partner with you. I pray today that You give me clear direction on what and when to be generous. Tell me how to be prepared and give me insights into the best way to stay anonymous. Remind me to point to you in every act of kindness. I thank you in advance. You are a good, good God. Amen.