Generosity is not costly unless you withhold it.
“One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” Proverbs 11:24 NIV.
My thoughts and comments today are about, “Love and Generosity.”
My friend, Kenny, taught me a simple, practical truth, “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” Love is a compelling motivation for sacrificial generosity. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” John 3:16-17 NIV. Could the principle of loving and giving ever be better explained? Love is fed by the privilege of joyfully giving and gratefully receiving. And giving finds its greatest joy in providing what is needed or most desired.
The Lord Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 NIV. Generosity is only costly when you withhold it. Wisely, Solomon wrote, “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:24-25 NIV. Liberality is a Godly lifestyle, reflective of His grace and generosity to you. Generosity is much more than monetary gifts or an occasional occurrence. Look around you. The happiest people are grateful and grateful people are generous. And their generosity rebounds to them with further success and satisfaction.
Jesus said that the people of this world work and worry to provide the everyday things they need. Then Jesus drew a striking contrast between them and you, “These things [needs] dominate the thoughts of most people, but your Father already knows your needs. He will give you all you need from day to day if you make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the [benefits of His] Kingdom.” Luke 12:30-32 NLT. Your Heavenly Father expects only the simplest thing of you. “If we ask anything according to His will He hears us . . and we know we will have what we asked of Him.” Read 1 John 5:14-15 NKJV.
Now really, why would you want anything other than what God knows is best for you? Do not be hesitant to ask, but also trust. Trust His sovereignty and goodness, resting in His wisdom and love, with the peace of God in your heart and mind. James observes, “You want what you don’t have and you scheme to get it,” then explains, “the reason you don’t have what you want is that you don’t ask God for it,” and then cautions, “And even when you do ask, you don’t get it when your whole motive is wrong – you want only what will give you pleasure.” James 4:2-3 NLT. Instead, ask God for what will give Him the most pleasure to provide you. “Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24 NIV. Ask. Believe. Receive. Give. Simple indeed!
Today, I pray for you to feel free to ask, confident to trust, and grateful to receive.
Christian Communications 2017-8197
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