Generosity in the Big Picture - day 23

Generosity in the Big Picture

Proverbs 11:24-25
24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly; but, comes to poverty.
25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Generosity is a surprising thing. You see, a lot of people think they can’t be generous because if they are they won’t have enough for themselves. If they give away their money, they won’t be able to buy things for themselves. If they give away their time or their energy, there won’t be enough left over to take care of themselves. What’s surprising is that God’s word says just about the complete opposite of that!

Proverbs 11: 24-25 says that the man who gives freely gains even more. The world often teaches that we have to look out only for ourselves if we are to get by. “Just take care of #1,” we hear. But, the Bible says, “Don’t do that!” Looking only to yourself will sometimes make you an extra buck; but, all those extra bucks will leave you poorer in the end.

I’m not going to sugar coat it: Being generous isn’t always easy and true generosity will cost you something.

If you give freely to God and to people, it will mean you will be giving up something you could have kept for yourself. But, the reason the Bible can say you will gain even more is because Christians live in light of eternity. When Christ rose from the grave, believers were given new life. And in that new life, the rules have totally changed.

If we want to take care of ourselves, we take care of others. If we want to find our life, we need to first lose it in Christ.

We all know what it’s like to shrink back from a chance to be generous. It’s not easy because it doesn’t feel natural.

But, know this, when Jesus was on earth teaching, he didn’t tell us to expect treasure on earth, he said to expect treasure in heaven. When it comes down to it, God will bless your generosity for all eternity.

Today’s Generosity Challenge:
Reflect on the last 22 challenges you have tackled in this journey. Be honest, which one have you shrunk back from or ignored? Write them down below, and then, through prayer, go before the Lord and ask Him what’s holding you back. Write those answers down here, as well.

About Michael Stickler

Mike is an author, radio host, and a highly sought after motivational speaker. His best-selling book, A Journey to Generosity, is widely acclaimed throughout the Christian community. He is the publisher of Generous Living Magazine and writes for the Christian Post, 'A Generous Life' column.