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. 2 Corinthians 9:8
“Grace increases in proportion as man makes use of it. Hence it is evident that God gives man from day to day all that he needs, no more and no less, and to each according to his condition and capacity. All this he does for the love and benefit of man; but because we are so cold and negligent in our endeavors, and because the instinct of the spirit is to arrive quickly at perfection, it seems as if grace were insufficient. Yet it is not so, and the fault is wholly ours, in not cooperating with the grace already received, which therefore ceases to increase.”
Catherine of Genoa (1447-1510) in Spiritual Dialogues (Grand Rapids: CCEL) Part Second, Chapter 5. Click here to download this classic work.
If you want grace to increase toward to, don’t be “cold and negligent” in you endeavors or you will get the measure of grace that matches you effort, or lack thereof.
If you want God to bless you abundantly, quit holding back. Get out there and empty yourself. Do it and you will find yourself enriched for greater generosity. This is a paradox of generosity for sure.
What is your condition and capacity today? To the measure you live, give, serve, and love generously, God has abundant grace ready to abound toward you.
Catherine has given us all a gift with this post. Only one who has lived this out can share this profound truth with us. I am thankful I located and even more happy to share it.
Don’t let it stop with you. Soon the new Generosity Monk website and email system will start. When it does, tell all your friends to subscribe. It’s free and maps the path to maturity.
In the meantime, cooperate with the grace you have been given and get out there and abound in every good work knowing that God will match your wholehearted effort with an abundant proportion of grace.