Generosity

April 21

Joshua 4-6

Psalm 49:10-15

Proverbs 11:24-26

Luke 13:18-35

Generosity

“There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, and there is one who holds back what is rightly due and yet results only in want.  The soul that blesses will be enriched, and he who waters will himself by watered.  He who withholds grain, the people will curse him, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it.” 

Proverbs 11:24-26  LSB

The principle given in today’s passage is reiterated throughout the Bible.  God’s economy is very different from man’s economy.  It does not make sense that the more you give, the more you have and yet that is exactly what the Bible says.  If we give generously to others, God will provide for all our needs.  He does not want us to hoard our possessions to protect us from financial difficulty.  We can trust Him to provide for us when we use the resources He gives us to help others.  We can test Him on this.  He will never let us down.   

“Give and it will be given to you.  They will pour into your lap a good measure---pressed down, shaken together, running over.  For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.”  Luke 6:38  LSB

“He who is gracious to a poor man lends to Yahweh, and He will repay him for his bountiful deed.”  Proverbs 19:17 LSB

“He who shuts his ear to the outcry of the poor will himself also call and not be answered.”  Proverbs 21:13 LSB

“He who is generous will be blessed, for he gives from his food to the poor.”  Proverbs 22:9 LSB

“It is well with the man who is gracious and lends; who sustains his works with justice.  For he will never be shaken; the righteous will be remembered forever.  He will not fear an evil report; his heart is set, trusting in Yahweh.  His heart is upheld, he will not fear, until he looks in triumph on his adversaries.  He has given freely to the needy, his righteousness stands forever; his horn will be raised in glory.”  Psalm 112:5-9 LSB

“Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back.”  Luke 6:30  LSB

“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows with blessing will also reap with blessing.  Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  And God is able to make every grace abound to you, so that in everything at every time having every sufficiency, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written, ‘He scattered abroad, he gave to the needy, his righteousness stands forever.’  Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness; you will be enriched in everything for all generosity, which through us is bringing about thanksgiving to God.”  2 Corinthians 9:6-11  LSB