Generously

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.           2 Cor. 9.6

Paul had earlier been talking about the generosity of the Macedonians in regard to the financial gift he was organising for the church in Jerusalem. It is easy to read this verse in relation to that gift and, indeed, to financial generosity in particular. This may be so, but there are other resources with which we are endowed and many areas in which we can be generous.

A footnote to this verse refers to Luke 6.38:

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

In the prior verse, Jesus is urging us not to judge or condemn but to forgive. Encouragement, affirmation and forgiveness are all areas in which generosity may be exercised, with powerful, lasting and life-changing effect.

I hope I am not “sparing” when it comes to financial giving. I do not have as much to give as I would like to give, but may I be unsparing with what I have. May I also be generous in the other resources with which God has blessed me – time, listening, encouraging, uplifting, prayer, affirming, and freely forgiving, These, and whatever else, I pray will pour out of me with the fullest praise and glory to the one who gave them to me.

Lord God,

I thank You for Your every gift. I willingly receive all that You have for me. I pray that I am demonstrating God-given generosity in all that I do. I ask You to consolidate and increase this in me. Let me never withhold from those in need. Use me, to Your praise and glory.

Lord, I want only to serve You. Take me and lead me in Your service, in Jesus’ name I ask.

                                                                                                                                    Amen.