Generosity Always Returns

Chuckle: What do you call 40 men watching the Super Bowl on TV? The Dallas Cowboys!"

Ponder this: “Love is not getting, but giving, not a wild dream of pleasure, and madness of desire— ... it is goodness, and honor, and peace and pure living.” --Henry van Dyke

GENEROSITY ALWAYS RETURNS

"Give generously, for your gifts will return to you later. Divide your gifts among many, for you do not know what risks might lie ahead" (Ecclesiastes 11:1-2 NLT).

The disastrous earthquake in Haiti a few years back brought untold death and suffering to the Haitian people. The television images of corpses in the streets and helpless victims touched the hearts of people all over the world. People gave generously of their means and many gave themselves by traveling to Haiti to help in any way they could. Some still do. God's Word teaches us to be generous to the point of personal sacrifice when we see someone in need. I am both proud and thankful that Americans and others around the globe responded to the people of Haiti in such amazing ways.

I have heard it said that when you give something away, it will always come back to you in some form. This is a paradox that makes ultimate sense to a Christian. It is a principle that God planned for His children from the beginning. Give and it will be given to you. In the same way that a moisture laden cloud releases its rain, a Christian will be so full of God's grace that he or she will joyfully and generously release and share his or her blessings.

In our passage, Solomon summarizes that life involves both risk and opportunity. He seems to be saying that by giving to others, we are preparing for uncertain risks which may come later to us. This makes sense if we accept the premise that as we give, much will be given to us in return. We must grasp the opportunity to give when it comes while we have the ability and resources to do so. By doing so, we are showing a spirit of trust and adventure. We trust the goodness of God and the truths of His Word and enjoy the adventure of seeing lives blessed by our generosity. As we give to others, we can be assured that blessings will return to us. Also, God has a way of multiplying our generosity. As you give to help someone, that person will in turn help someone else, and the cycle continues.

I'm reminded of the words of Jesus: "If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving -- large or small -- it will be used to measure what is given back to you" (Luke 6:38 NLT). As we treat others with generosity, graciousness, and compassion, these qualities will come back to us in full measure.

A well-known philanthropist was asked, "How is it that you give away so much, and yet have so much left?" "I suppose it's like this," he replied. "I shovel out, and God shovels in, and he has a bigger shovel than I do!"

Love, Jerry & Dotse