“Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.”
John 12:1-3
Generosity is more than just an act—it’s an overflow of love. True, radical generosity flows from a heart that knows the extravagant love of God. In the story of Mary anointing Jesus’ feet with pure nard, we see one of the most profound expressions of this truth. Mary’s act was not driven by obligation or performance; it was fueled by her deep love for Jesus, her gratitude for His presence, and her recognition of His worth.
The perfume Mary used was incredibly costly—valued at a year’s wages—but she didn’t hesitate to pour it out in its entirety. Why? Because her love for Jesus outweighed the price. She knew that Jesus wasn’t just someone to admire or follow from a distance; He was her Savior, the resurrection and the life. Her radical act of generosity was a reflection of her devotion and understanding of the lavish love Jesus had shown her and her family.
Generosity Starts With Loving God
Mary’s generosity started with her relationship with Jesus. Before she poured out the perfume, she had spent time in His presence, sat at His feet, and listened to His teaching. Her heart was captured by His love and truth.
Radical generosity begins when we fully grasp how deeply we are loved by God. He has given us everything—life, salvation, grace, and hope. When we recognize the magnitude of His love, we are moved to give freely in return. Whether it’s our time, our talents, or our resources, our gifts become a natural response to the One who gave everything for us.
Generosity is a Fragrant Offering
The Bible tells us that the house was “filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” Mary’s gift didn’t just bless Jesus; it impacted everyone around her. True generosity has a ripple effect. When we give from a heart of love, our generosity glorifies God and blesses those around us.
Imagine how the church and the world could be transformed if our generosity came from hearts full of love for God! Whether it’s supporting missions, helping a neighbor, or sharing encouragement, every act of giving reflects His love and draws others closer to Him.
How Can We Cultivate Radical Generosity?
Here are five simple ways we can all seek to cultivate a more generous heart this year:
- Spend Time with Jesus: Like Mary, start at His feet. Prayer, worship, and reading Scripture help us experience God’s love, which fuels our desire to give.
- Remember His Sacrifice: Reflect on what God has done for you. The more we understand His generosity—giving us His only Son—the more we are inspired to be generous ourselves.
- Give with Gratitude: When we recognize that everything we have comes from God, giving becomes an act of worship.
- Start Small: Radical generosity doesn’t always mean giving expensive gifts. It could be sharing your time, helping someone in need, or offering encouragement.
- Trust God with the Outcome: Mary didn’t hold back, trusting Jesus was worthy of her offering. When we give, we trust that God will use our gifts for His purposes.
As we reflect on Mary’s example, let’s ask ourselves: How can we pour out our love for Jesus in 2025? What would it look like to give radically—not out of obligation, but as an overflow of our love for Him?
When we love God deeply, our lives—and our generosity—become a fragrant offering, pointing others to His goodness and glory.