Blessing Through Generosity

20170803_100955-1Today was the final morning of the 2017 GrandCamp. It was great to have Mark Land (daughter-in-law, Bridget’s father, from Ohio) join us. Last night was the “Blessing Ceremony” the capstone for the camp. Mark shared his “blessing” with both boys using some powerful word pictures.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25 NIV

I remember a little poem that goes something like this…. “There was a man  they thought him to be mad; The more he gave; the more he had.” The verse above was our final “memory verse” from this week’s GrandCamp.  It was a good closing reminder to grandparents and grandchildren about biblical values and character.

The world says, “Hold tight to what is yours, you gain from keeping” The Bible says, “Be generous toward others, you gain by giving.”

I was explaining to grandson Caedmon that one of the approaches of Hebrew poetry was to repeat a concept with different words. We find that in this verse. The second phrase underscores the first by saying, “whoever refreshes (blesses) others will be refreshed (blessed.)” The International Standard Version puts it emphatically this way, “…anyone who gives water will receive a flood in return.”

That reminds me of Jesus’ words, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap….” (Luke 6:38 NIV) When Paul the Apostle talked about generosity in meeting the needs of others he said, “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.” (2 Corinthians 9:10 NIV)

Fear can be one of the greatest deterrents to generosity. But faith is the antidote to fear. When we act on what we believe: that the Lord is our source and our reward; when we take the theme of scriptures that encourage generosity to heart, we will find the Lord faithful.

Over the years Debbie and I have attempted to be generous givers. Four years ago when I faced my health crisis we were recipients of the generosity of others. Many friends and family members provided financial support for our medical expenses. A fundraiser was held near the Capitol in Denver hosted by a former and current Speaker of the House. This fund that was created is still assisting with medical expenses to this day.

It is a blessing to “receive!” But we recall the words of scripture, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35 NIV)

There are many aspects of the Christian life that challenge us and to which we commit ourselves to. Generous giving should be one of those. Paul’s challenge to the Corinthians applies to our lives today….

“But since you excel in everything–in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you –see that you also excel in this grace of giving.” (2 Corinthians 8:7 NIV)

Prayer for today…. Lord, thank You for the generosity with which You have blessed our life. May we not only give in faith, but allow us to give in love for You and as an expression of Your divine nature.