Is It Really Good To Be Generous?

We all admire people who are generous. Generosity is an admirable quality because it is in indication of a person putting others ahead of themselves. However, does it get us anywhere? Does it really make a difference? After all, it is not easy to sacrifice our own needs to focus on the needs of others. And sometimes there is a price to pay.

This information may answer the question. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 says: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not relunctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

This verse sums it up well. The more willing we are to be generous, the more we will see it in our own lives. However, if we read on, we will see that there are further benefits. Verses 10-11 say...Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

What does this mean? It tells me that the more generous one is, the more God will provide. God is already able to trust us with what He gives us, and will give us more because He knows we will be generous with that as well. The best part of this whole concept to me is that, by being generous, we glorify God. We bring attention to Him and potentially attract others to Him because our generosity is noticed!

If you are looking to make your Father proud and have positive impacts on His kingdom, then share as much as you can with others. And it doesn't always have to be money. It can be your time, talents, and smile. Anything that you give to others makes a difference. Either way, it's a win-win situation. The people in your life benefit from your generosity, and your own life is showered with blessings.

Knowing this, see what kind of a difference you can make today. Enjoy the blessings : )

I'm Willing to Share

As I have some down time to reflect this week, I am realizing how blessed I am in many areas. I am especially noticing and appreciating the generosity that people have been sharing with me. For example, when my family and I went to Florida this past February we were showered with generosity and the warmest welcomes from both sides of the family. That is just one of several examples I can provide.

The bottom line is that I am blessed in so many ways. If you asked me to list them all I wouldn't even be able to. It is because of this that I have the strong desire to give back. I have many blessings, talents, dollars, etc that I can easily share. It's time to start seriously asking God how I can use these to be a blessing for others. I will say that I am quick to give when others ask, and I tithe regularly. My goal now is to take the initiative and find ways to bless others without them having to ask me for it. As much as I am good to the people in my life, this has always been an area where I have been slow to act. Not because I don't want to, but it's not something I focus on as much as I should.

I know that with God's help I can change in this area. I pray that God opens my eyes and helps me notice how I can use the many blessings He has given me and share them with others. I would appreciate your prayers as well. I will certainly share the results.

Have an excellent day : )