I married a generous man, in fact, he rarely counts the cost to himself when considering helping. He doesn’t measure the hours he worked, or what he’ll do without. If he sees a need, he meets it in whatever practical way he can.
In fact, my husband lives this verse out. I never hear him tell someone he’ll pray for them, but I witness him giving what he has to offer, whether time, money, food, clothing. He gives with a good attitude, too. Like behind the scenes, he doesn’t grumble or complain or nitpick what someone does with whatever he gave. I admire him and he inspires me to be more generous.
We were discussing generosity and whether or not we could go overboard with it – like is it possible to give too much? Not so much in the sense of to one person (which can be enabling) but overall. I guess the question was, can we hurt ourselves financially by giving too much? We tossed the idea back and forth but neither of us had a great word of wisdom or idea as to whether or not there was a threshold. A percentage of income, if you will.
Without even looking for a verse or bible teaching on it, a verse found me.
One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:24-25 NIV
I got to share this verse with my husband and I hope it encouraged him as much as it did me. I believe we will all stand before God and give an account for our lives – even if we’ve accepted Jesus and have received His gracious gift of salvation. This verse assured me that we won’t be found in want as a result of being generous. It also reminded me that I’ll stand before my Creator one day and I’d rather say I gave every chance I could than to say I never gave at all. This also reminded me to give as if I was giving to Jesus and to leave the choices of the recipient between them and God – that part is none of my business.
Until next time,
A Prayer to Share:
Dear God,
We know that we can never out give You. You have given more than we can measure or count, although we often try. Help us to be in agreement about how to give, when to give, where to give, and help us give in a way that always honors You. Thank you for all You have given us.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Regina Walker 