The thought occurred to me this morning that my God is incredibly generous. Several things rushed into my mind as I removed the scruff off my face with my morning razor, and I began to really consider the reality that God never ceases to give. He is so very different than us in this regard, and one of the reasons is that we will typically only give until that moment when we fear giving any more. We encounter caution on some level when our inner security system begins to beep and, should we continue on this path of giving, we suspect that some vulnerability might arise or that some loss may occur. As soon as most of us hear those sirens and see that flashing red light in our minds, the generosity stream stops flowing. This process occurs with our time, our money, our abilities, our love, and our assistance to others. We are certainly willing to give a little of ourselves away, but there is always a limit that comes with the package.
“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.” – Proverbs 11:24
Some paradoxical principles are placed all throughout the bible and here is one of them. Solomon’s wisdom teaches above that there is a greater abundance reserved only for those who give away the abundance which they currently enjoy. Please don’t limit this to the issue of financial giving. What we need to focus on is the repeated biblical truth that reminds us that those who keep their lives lose them, and those who give away their lives find out what it truly means to live. Sacrifice is success… self-centeredness is shipwreck. As I pondered on God’s generosity and the fact that He is consistently lavish in His ways towards those who believe, it occurred to me that He can choose to be so with the luxury of knowing that He will never run out of what He gives. He has given billions of people physical life and could keep doing so forever without diminishing in His ability. He has also given millions of people spiritual life through His Son, Jesus Christ, and is not reluctant to do so again if someone will believe. He gives healing, grace, mercy, material provision, beauty, protection, power, love, pleasure, wisdom and victory on an immeasurable scale. The reason we do not emulate God to a greater degree in this area is because we focus on our limitations and know that there is a line which, once we cross it, our giving of ourselves begins to really require sacrifice from us. We love to give but we hate the idea that it might really cost us. In this, we are vastly different than our God. Let’s not debate whether this is so; let’s humbly admit it, and then ask Him to continue to work on changing our hearts.
Today, somebody out there needs your love – give it to them, especially if they don’t deserve it. Somebody needs some material assistance and they will likely not ask for your help – give them the help they need. Somebody needs a visit, a call, an email… a little of your time – don’t think twice before allotting a few hours to them this week. By the way, that person who wronged you way-back-when needs your forgiveness – go back and read Proverbs 11:24 above and employ wisdom. Giving. Giving. Giving. Could this be what is missing from so many lives?
Hi there, I’m Charity I am 21 yrs old, I just wanted to say thank you for blessing me with that word today. It really opened my eyes up to some things I was missing in my spiritual life and where some growth is needed. I just wanted to thank you for posting it.
God bless!
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