Introduction: Generosity touches every aspect of life. Our money, time, talents and relationships. Being generous is an important matter to God. Yet it is challenging to open up to others.

Four keys to becoming a generous person in relationships.

Open Your Eyes to the Needs Around You (Luke 10:33)

• The good Samaritan saw someone who needed him. He needed compassion, needed connection. 

• Too often we are so inward focused that we fail to see what is going on around us.

• Even in the busyness of his day as he journeyed and had other plans, he stopped.

Open Your Heart to Compassion (Luke 10:33)

• Jesus saw the people and had compassion on them. (Matthew 9:36)

• The good Samaritan’s response was a response of compassion. His compassion and love would not allow him to walk away or pass by.

• We are commanded to be doers of the Word not hearers only. (James 1:22)

Open Your Arms to Practical Help (Luke 10:34)

• The good Samaritan did practical things that made a difference at the moment.

• “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong.  Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection and take delight in honoring each other.”   (Romans 12:9-11)

Open Your Mind to Follow Up (Luke 10:35)

• The good Samaritan modeled follow up “Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

• The good Samaritan teaches us to respond generously.

• Follow though isn’t easy. It takes energy, effort and a genuine God given compassion

Application: "Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?”  He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.” Luke 10:36-37