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 : )

How To Bring Out the Best In Others

In every area of our lives, we want to see the best in the people around us. This is true in relationships with our spouse, kids, and parents. At our job with our boss, those that work for us, or our customers. Or anywhere else we deal with people.

How do we experience the best in others? I've made a list of some effective practices I've learned from my reading, and from my own experience. Notice how they are all actions that WE take:

Love and appreciate them.
Serve them.
Be YOUR best.
Listen to them.
Pray for them.

This is a short list, and you can add others to it. I have found that when I am getting the best out of myself, and I direct those positive energies to those around me, it brings out the best in them. Then we are all easier to live and work with : )