One gives freely, yet gains even more. Another withholds unjustly, and comes to poverty. Proverbs 11:24, TLV
Give Until it Hurts, or Give Wisely? Generosity, especially when applied with wisdom, is one of the miracles of our Heavenly Father’s economy. No matter what He calls us to give, we come away with more than we began with.
Does this “more” apply only to money? Nope. It also applies to our possessions, time, kind acts, even kind words.
Stinginess is like a cancer — it will eat away at what we have. The more we hoard, the more soul sick we become, until eventually we are unrecognizable as a follower of Jesus.
There are those who have no trouble with generosity, in fact they give too much. Too much? Yes. Their motives for giving may be rooted in emotion or guilt, even pride.
When we give out of obedience — which is cocooned in wisdom — beauty and abundance will break forth. And there’s something amazing about that.
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7, TLV
When we treat our possessions as they should be treated — that they
belong to our Creator and we are the stewards — it might be easier to obey when He directs us to be generous. That generosity will reap a harvest.
Sometimes the harvest is the amazing moments when those we bless see the Hand of God in their life. To realize how much they are loved.
Sometimes the harvest is sharing in God’s work — a work that will span eternity. All with one act of generosity. Imagine a lifetime of giving.
“In all things I have shown you an object lesson—that by hard work one must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Yeshua, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35, TLV
Sometimes the harvest happens when we are in need and God miraculously provides.
Whatever the harvest, we can be assured God is there. And that’s a good thing.
Think More About It.
Can you share a story of when you were moved to give generously, and a beautiful return happened?
