“God prospers His people to raise their standard of giving.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 28, 2022
It is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35b
Three weeks ago, a couple my husband and I are friends with invited us to join them for a few days in a Colorado mountain town not far from where we live. All we knew was that they had an extra bedroom in the home where they would be staying, and they wanted to gift it to us for a few nights.
We also knew they were attending a Christian retreat of some kind while there and they wanted us to come along. I had no idea what it was all about, neither did my husband, and we didn’t ask, but we were both in. Who doesn’t want to spend time in a beautiful location in the mountains?
When we arrived a couple of days ago, we discovered the retreat, Journey of Giving (JOG) was hosted by the ministry of Generous Giving. Their goal is to equip people to live generous lives, which results in glorifying God and greater joy. As I type this, we just finished up the event and my heart is full of Jesus’ love, and overwhelming gratitude that He brought us here.
During the event, the Lord reminded me of the following truths:
First, everything I have comes from Jesus. My time, my talents, and my treasure are a result of His blessings on my life. What do I have that hasn’t come from Him? Nothing. Every person He has created has been blessed from His hand. In Him we live and move and literally have our being (Acts 17:28).
Next, since it all comes from Him, it’s all God’s. Psalm 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” It’s not that it’s mine first and then I ask God what I should do with what’s left over. Instead, living generously is about seeing that it’s all God’s first, and then seeking Him for what He wants me to do with what He has given. It all belongs to Him.
God does not prosper His people so they can spend it all themselves. Rather, God prospers His people to raise their standard of giving. In seeing oneself as a funnel through which blessings flow, rather than seeing oneself as a bucket that just accumulates blessings, we experience greater joy. Truly, as Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35b).
Finally, I need not wait until I have more to bless others. The practice of living a life of generosity can begin by looking for small opportunities to give. When we live in an abundant mindset, rather than believing the lie that we have nothing to share, we begin to see how good God has been to us, and we notice the ways He has blessed us, which creates an attitude of gratitude and excitement for living.
“But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love I have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving” (2 Corinthians 8:7).
Prayer
Lord, please help me to notice your blessings in my life. Help me to see that no matter how much or how little I have, I can give to others. Help me not to wait until I have more to give. Give me your heart of love for others so I can experience more joy. Amen.
Application
Ask the Lord how He wants you to share with someone today by giving your time, talent or treasure. Then obey Him.
Related Reading
Matthew 6:25-33; Proverbs 3:5-6; Hebrews 10:24-25
Worship Resource
Mosaic MSC: Generous Love
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