How to Be Generous in Adversity

What a show of athleticism, perseverance and leadership. For Jaylen Brown and the Celtics, it was a tough loss.

After Game 6, the players were interviewed, and I was struck by Brown’s outlook. He reflected that adversity is actually a positive:

“The future is bright. I always look at adversity as opportunities to shape an individual… For me, it’s always about growth. Continuing to get better, continuing to find different ways to lead.”

Instead of retreating, however, He followed through with the greatest act of generosity of all time: giving His life on the cross to save us. Since then, for over 2,000 years, Christians all over the world have put their faith and trust in Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Do you have adversity in your life today? Are you concerned by what you hear on the news and see in your community? If so, here are some ideas to turn it around—and lead like David and Jesus with a heart of generosity toward others:

1. If you’re financially stable, tip with a 2x mindset when you head out for dinner. If your bill is $50, tip $50. You can change someone’s day and outlook with this simple act of kindness.
2. If you’re retired, find a young couple nearby and offer free babysitting for the next month. You might just help save a marriage on the edge with inflation, kids and life.
3. (with a strong balance sheet and cashflow), pay it forward by offering discounts instead of price hikes. Set a new tone based on how God’s economy works.

In times of adversity, we can change the narrative. We can flip the script.