Generosity is a multifaceted quality involving the willingness to give or share, often without expecting anything in return. It goes beyond simply providing material possessions and encompasses a broader spirit of giving. It is freely given without conditions, and has positive intentions. Beyond material generosity, it is the ability to empathize, forgive, and offer genuine care with time and attention.

John, chapter 4, describes Jesus’s generosity to the woman at the well. I would like to concentrate on verses 10 – 15. Continuing in my Bible study, Discovering Jesus, I’m captivated by these particular verses. The exchange between Jesus and this woman sounds familiar.

¹⁰ Jesus answered, “If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me for a drink, and I would give you fresh, living water.”

^11-12 The woman said, “Sir, you don’t even have a bucket to draw with, and this well is deep. So how are you going to get this ‘living water’? Are you a better man than our ancestor Jacob, who dug this well and drank from it, he and his sons and livestock, and passed it down to us?”

^13-14 Jesus said, “Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst—not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life.”

¹⁵ The woman said, “Sir, give me this water so I won’t ever get thirsty, won’t ever have to come back to this well again!” (Bible Gateway)

It’s hard to believe that Jesus has anything to offer us when we are profoundly struggling with unanswered prayers or difficulties beyond our control. When Jesus says, “If you knew the generosity of God and who I am, you would be asking me…”, I immediately think of our human responses to solving problems–hobbies, exercise, therapy, vacations, promotions, taking on a role or position to find meaning or financial stability. There is absolutely nothing wrong with any of these things. In fact, God may call us to position ourselves to engage in these activities or changes. However, do I know the generosity of God, and am I asking Him? It reminds me of the times I’ve spent way too much time on something, and someone says, “Oh, if you had asked me, I could have told you ______________ (fill in the blank).”

There is this exchange that can only happen with Him—the part where you decide if I just had “this,” I will never be thirsty or come back to this well again.

We need water to survive. It’s just as essential to recognize that our survival and healing may also depend on a deep thirst for Him, a thirst that can lead us away from seeking temporary solutions. Like the woman at the well, I sometimes question, even doubt, His capacity to meet my needs. I might think, “You don’t even have what I need… You don’t understand my situation… I don’t see how this could work or why this is happening in my life right now.” We often crave tangible, immediate change, a quick fix to alleviate our discomfort. Yet, the Bible reminds us that true transformation is rarely instantaneous. Instead, it’s a journey that unfolds over a lifetime, and sometimes across generations, before its full purpose is revealed. This journey requires a generosity of spirit, a willingness to be kind, considerate, and forgiving, as we navigate the challenges and uncertainties along the way. It also calls for intellectual generosity, a readiness to share our knowledge and understanding of His teachings, and generosity of time, a commitment to being present and supportive, as we seek healing and deeper meaning.

I Know a Name