Definition: The term "ungrudging" refers to the act of giving or sharing freely and generously, without reluctance or resentment. In a biblical context, it embodies the spirit of generosity and willingness to serve others, reflecting the character of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Corinthians 9:7 : "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver." This verse highlights the importance of giving willingly and joyfully, without any sense of obligation or reluctance. The ungrudging giver is one who delights in the act of giving, reflecting God's own generous nature.

2. James 1:5 : "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." Here, God's ungrudging nature is exemplified in His willingness to provide wisdom to those who seek it. This passage encourages believers to emulate God's generosity in their interactions with others.

3. Proverbs 11:25 : "A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." This proverb underscores the blessings that come from an ungrudging spirit. Those who give freely and support others are promised renewal and prosperity, illustrating the reciprocal nature of generosity.

Theological Significance:

The concept of ungrudging giving is deeply rooted in the character of God, who is depicted throughout Scripture as abundantly generous and loving. Believers are called to mirror this divine attribute in their own lives, fostering a community marked by selflessness and mutual support. The ungrudging spirit is not merely about material giving but extends to time, talents, and emotional support.

Practical Application:

1. Stewardship: Christians are encouraged to view their resources as gifts from God, to be used for His glory and the benefit of others. An ungrudging approach to stewardship involves managing one's time, talents, and treasures with an open hand, ready to share as needs arise.

2. Service: Serving others without hesitation or complaint is a practical expression of ungrudging love. Whether through acts of kindness, volunteering, or simply being present for someone in need, believers are called to serve with a willing heart.

3. Forgiveness: An ungrudging spirit also applies to forgiveness, where believers are urged to forgive others freely, as God has forgiven them. This aspect of ungrudging behavior fosters reconciliation and peace within the community of faith.

Examples in Scripture:

· The Widow's Offering (Mark 12:41-44): Jesus commends the poor widow who gives all she has, highlighting her ungrudging generosity despite her poverty. Her example serves as a powerful testament to the value of giving from the heart.

· The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37): The Samaritan's willingness to help a stranger in need, without regard for personal cost or inconvenience, exemplifies ungrudging love and compassion.

Conclusion:

The biblical call to be ungrudging in our giving and service is a reflection of God's own nature and a vital aspect of Christian discipleship. By embracing this attitude, believers not only fulfill God's commandments but also experience the joy and blessings that come from living a life of generosity and love.

Rom. xii. 4, 5
... 1535] "He that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness." For it is not enough to show mercy,
but it behooves us to do it with a largeness and an ungrudging spirit, or ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxi rom xii 4.htm

Letter ix. To Titus, Hierarch, Asking by Letter what is the House ...
... For these things, the Divine Wisdom gives to those approaching it, and furnishes
and fills to overflowing, a stream of ungrudging and unfailing good cheer. ...
/.../dionysius/letters of dionysius the areopagite/letter ix to titus hierarch.htm

Caput xv.
... The rivers of fire signify the supremely Divine streams furnishing to them an
ungrudging and incessant flow, and nourishing the productive powers of life; the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/dionysius/on the heavenly hierarchy/caput xv.htm

What is Meant by the Appellation "Angels?"
... supermundanely to the supremely Divine likeness, and striving to mould their
intellectual appearance, they naturally have more ungrudging communications with ...
/.../dionysius/on the heavenly hierarchy/caput iv what is meant.htm

Concerning the Seraphim and Cherubim and Thrones, and Concerning ...
... super-Divine comeliness in its first revealed power, and their being filled anew
with the impartation which maketh wise, and their ungrudging communication to ...
/.../dionysius/on the heavenly hierarchy/caput vii concerning the seraphim.htm

Of the Second Coming of Christ
... Those two mountains are higher than the heavens, for these longings touch God
without intermediary, and crave His ungrudging generosity. ...
/.../john/the adornment of the spritual marriage/chapter vi of the second.htm

Passion Week at the Foot of the Cross.
... And take injustice patiently,. And pardon, as Thou pardon'st me,. With an
ungrudging generous heart. And I will nail me to Thy cross,. ...
/.../lyra germanica second series the christian life/passion week at the foot.htm

Preface.
... propagating falsehood. For the love of God, being rich and ungrudging, confers
upon the suppliant more than he can ask from it. Call ...
//christianbookshelf.org/irenaeus/against heresies/preface 3.htm

His Eleventh Error. (See Above in Book i. 15 [xii. ] and Book ii. ...
... of the opinion, Except a man be born again of water and the Holy Spirit, he cannot
enter into the kingdom of heaven,' he may still hold my ungrudging assent on ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 19 xiii his eleventh error.htm

Acts xx. 17-21
... Mark, here, I pray you, a character of teaching: "I kept back nothing," he says,
ungrudging fulness, unshrinking promptness""of what was profitable unto you ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xliv acts xx 17-21.htm

Ungrudging (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ungrudging (1 Occurrence). 1 Peter 4:9 Extend
ungrudging hospitality towards one another. (WEY RSV). ...
/u/ungrudging.htm - 6k

Ungrudgingly (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ungrudgingly (1 Occurrence). 1 Peter 4:9 Extend
ungrudging hospitality towards one another. (See RSV). ...
/u/ungrudgingly.htm - 6k

Ungrateful (2 Occurrences)

/u/ungrateful.htm - 7k

Extend (35 Occurrences)
... (WEY NAS RSV). 1 Peter 4:9 Extend ungrudging hospitality towards one another.
(WEY). Genesis 49:13 "Zebulun will dwell at the haven of the sea. ...
/e/extend.htm - 18k

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