Generous…

Generous…

Give generously and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this, the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore, I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land. (Deuteronomy 15:10-11)

I have to be honest…. I did not realize to be generous is commanded; yet, here we find direct instruction to be compassionate upon the poor among us. Notice that we are to give generously and to do so without a grudging heart. It reminds me of how Paul instructs and encourages believers to be generous:

2 Corinthians 9:6-11 (NIV)

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” (Citing Psalm 112:9) 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 enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

Generosity is inherent to the nature and character of God – whose image we bear. It should be innate to those who believe. Who has been more generous than God? “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

So, let us be generous people! Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice. (Psalm 112:5) A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25) The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. (Proverbs 22:9)

Have a Blessed Day!

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. ~ 1 Timothy 6:17-19