“And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.”
Matthew 10:7-8 NKJV
When my father was a youth he knew a man who was extremely rich. My father told with great consternation that this very rich man once said to him: “As long as there is one dollar bill out there I don’t have, I won’t be happy.”
You see, my father was a very generous person who could not understand that someone—though very rich—was still grasping to get more.
Now, I have seen that people who do not have a generous spirit, never receive enough of whatever it is they want, to the point of contentment. Even much less likely, is that these people will ever freely give anything to anybody.
The proverbial writer notes that giving freely results in abundance; whereas stinginess results in loss.
“Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”
Proverbs 11:24-25 NLT
Given, we might look at that scripture and immediately think of some very stingy person/people we have known who always were rich, never losing anything.
As well, we may also know people who are very generous, but never seem to receive back what they have given.
However, what we must understand is that following the way of being and doing prescribed to us by the Lord (righteousness), brings wealth and prosperity of soul, as well as eternal reward.
Now, we may never see a stingy person in poverty in this present life. As well, we might see a generous person, never rich in this life. But, we can be sure that God is a good bookkeeper and He will remember our generous acts (or lack of the same).
Indeed, whether or not a “return” is seen in this life, those who freely give as God has given them, will definitely gain the riches of Heaven in the life to come. But I will add that in this life, those who are generous before God, can expect to experience soul-peace, spiritual power, and yes, even receive their daily bread.
“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.””
Luke 6:38 NLT
As we see in our opening scripture, Jesus, sending His disciples out to minister among the people of Israel, charges them to remember that the gifts they have been given—the authority in the Spirit they have been given—did not come from themselves, but was a gift from God. Therefore, their ministering to others should be with the same attitude of generosity with which the Lord has given to them.
Child of God, when we’re feeling pressed in one way or another, it’s easy to become very self-centered in terms of our own needs. As such, we can become blind to those around us who we could and should bless.
Sometimes, if we think we don’t really have anything to give, then we don’t even try. But let us be reminded that what we give to others, isn’t always in monetary form (though certainly, sometimes it is). A kind word, a sincere prayer of agreement, a helping hand, etc., can go a long way to allow what God has poured into us, to be poured through us to others.
Make no mistake, God does not intend for us to be reservoirs of His blessings. Rather, we are to be conduits, freely giving what we have freely received. And I will tell you this: Those who withhold without giving to others, may fill their personal storehouse with all the goodies they ever wanted. But someday, they will have to give an account before God. Then, what will their “balance sheet” look like?
“Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ “But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’ “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.””
Luke 12:16-21 NLT
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
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