One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and the one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:24-25
“Am I living generously? I’m not just talking about my finances here. It’s more a posture of my heart.
When I see a need do I generously give my time to come alongside another and meet it?
Do I generously give affirmation to those around me…not withholding it, presuming they already know?
Am I generous with a kind smile, looking people in the eye and blessing them by really seeing them?
Do I generously lavish grace on someone who offends me?
Am I generous with relationships and resources – not hoarding them for myself, but being a conduit that passes them on, so many more are blessed?
Am I generous with me? Do I readily lay myself aside to put others needs before my own? Do I share myself vulnerably and openly and refuse to hold parts of me back in self-protection?
I want to be the one who gives freely…who doesn’t withhold what I should give…who waters others.
I don’t want God’s kindness, and love, and bountiful resources to stop with me.”
Mel and Amy Ellenwood included this list of questions and statements in their 18 November 2016 Ministry Update. I am thankful it was forwarded to me by my good friend, Jot Turner, who serves at the EFCA national office.
Today’s Scripture celebrates what takes place when we practice generosity. We don’t find ourselves empty, we end up enriched. This relates to far more than financial giving. It touches all aspects of life.
These questions and statements are powerful. They really impacted me when I read them. They opened my eyes to aspects of generosity where I have room for growth. I am thankful my friend shared them with me.
I hope you are reading this list before you go spend time with family and friends today. I pray that it leads you give affirmation or lavish grace on someone. Let’s live generously in a variety of ways today (and every day)!
Happy Thanksgiving from Colorado (where we shot the header photo while cutting down our Christmas tree yesterday)!