“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work…
“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God… They will glorify God because of… the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8,10-15
“He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever;
his horn is exalted in honor.” Psalm 112:9
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” Malachi 3:10
“Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” Luke 6:38
Fears of rising prices, failing health, a potential dearth of resources all contribute to insular living and reluctance to contribute. Harsh actions in society can indeed coerce equal and opposite reactions in the human heart. But God’s economy stands in stark contrast to that of the flesh. Cast your bread upon the water, and it shall return to you. When we are sparing in the exercise of all that’s been entrusted to us, we miss the blessing the Lord bestows on the generous. Freely you have received; freely give. (Ecclesiastes 11:1; Matthew 10:8; Romans 12:8)
God in grace supplies what we need to bring increase. He works cheer and desire into the heart, then gives eyes to see needs and the will to follow through with generosity. Blessing others as we’ve been blessed honors Him and spreads His goodness. (Proverbs 11:25)
Have we tried giving in divine portion? Where and how are we contributing to real needs, visible or invisible, of those around us? We cannot receive heavenly bounty if our fists are closed. What changes in mindset and practice need to be made to develop a lavishly generous lifestyle?
“Give as ’twas given to you in your need,
Love as the Master loved you;
Be to the helpless a helper indeed,
Unto your mission be true.
Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing.
Out of my life may Jesus shine;
Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray.
Make me a blessing to someone today.” ~Ira Bishop Wilson (1909)
Father, work in and out of me generosity that displays Your bounty and magnifies Your glory.
As the rain and snow 