AP

Day 43: Generosity and meanness – part 1

The words of Psalm 23 never run dry of comfort for a believer: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.” What gracious generosity to supply all our needs! May we also bless others with the blessings that the LORD has given us.

These proverbs speak of things that seem counter-intuitive to us: a person may give away his wealth, yet paradoxically grow richer; whilst another person holds selfishly to what should be given away, yet ends up being in want (Prov. 11:24).

People tend to despise a person who holds tightly to their possessions (Prov. 11:26). Such a person often lives a lonely life. Jesus calls His followers to live differently: “Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them (Luke 6:30-31).” Whilst observing the comings and goings of the temple, Jesus praised a poor widow who put in more than did all the wealthy worshippers, for they gave out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty (Luke 21:4). In the book of Acts we meet a Gentile man named Cornelius who was “a devout man who feared God with all his household, gave alms generously to the people, and prayed continually to God (Acts 10:2).” May we learn the lessons of generosity from this poor widow and Cornelius.

It is truly humbling to realise that God gives to us all that we have. So why should we hold tightly to it? May we be open-fisted in our generosity to the glory of God. 

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.

– Prov. 11:24

Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

– Prov. 11:25

The people curse him who holds back grain, but a blessing is on the head of him who sells it.

– Prov. 11:26

Whoever despises his neighbour is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.

– Prov. 14:21

Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honours him.

– Prov. 14:31

Lord God, You have been generous beyond measure to us. Teach us from these proverbs what generosity looks like. Above all, may we simply put into practice what we read.

Let our giving be generous and in a spirit of love. Let us remember what the Lord Jesus said, “when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Thank You, Lord Jesus, that though You were rich, You became poor for our sakes, so that by Your poverty we might become rich. We praise You for Your gracious generosity and pray that Your Name be blessed to the ends of the earth.

Amen.

– Graham Barnes