Does selfish generosity seem like a contradiction? It is. However, it describes much of the giving that people do. Christmas, birthdays and other holidays are times when many people give gifts to close friends and family, knowing that usually they will get something in return. Jesus taught a different type of generosity.

He said, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

Jesus brought God’s kingdom to earth. It is a completely different kind of kingdom than the kingdoms and nations of this world, which are ruled by Satan. In Satan’s kingdoms, selfishness and greed are normal. God’s kingdom is only available to those who want to give up what they can get in this life and follow Jesus’ teaching and example. Jesus’ life was the ultimate example of unselfish generosity. On the other hand, Jesus taught that selfishness leads to the eternal fire prepared for Satan.

To find out more about what Jesus said and how to become a part of his kingdom, read the four books his early disciples wrote about him: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.


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