Generously Not Grudgingly

Generously Not Grudgingly

Reading: Deuteronomy 13-15; Galatians 1 10 Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do. 11 There will always be some in the land who are poor. That is why I am commanding you to share freely with the poor and with other Israelites in need. (Deuteronomy 15:10-11 NLT) Moses reminded the people of God’s instruction to them about tithing to God’s work and about offerings and sacrifices that were part of the tradition of Jewish worship. All these practices were designed to remind them that everything they had came from God and to stir their hearts continually with reverence and gratitude for God’s abundant provision. Then Moses told them that there’s more, much more, to giving than merely satisfying an obligation or performing a religious act of sacrifice. Moses said, “Give generously, not grudgingly to the poor. It’s more than tithing to the priests and offering sacrifices to God. It’s giving to others in need and it’s a matter of the heart! The attitude and act of generous, heart-prompted giving triggers God’s blessing in everything we do!” Paul expresses it this way: 6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NLT)

On the foundation of systematic and proportionate giving and support of God’s work, we have the privilege of being both generous and spontaneous in what we do with the rest of our money. God’s blessing toward us and all we have and do is triggered when we give generously to others. Jesus said it’s actually more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35) Prayer: Father, I so want to have a heart like yours toward the needs of others! I want a generous heart that just moves me to give both generously and spontaneously–day by day and when I become aware of special needs. Generous and spontaneous. Amen.