Give It, Don’t Hoard It: A Reflection on Generosity
In our journey of faith, the topic of money often comes up. As 2 Corinthians 9:6 reminds us, “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” Today, let’s explore the importance of generosity and the heart behind our financial decisions.
How We See Money
Money is one of the most discussed topics in the Bible. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6:19-21 not to store up treasures on earth, but to lay up treasures in heaven. This prompts us to ask ourselves: what does our relationship with money reveal about our hearts?
In Luke 12:16-21, we encounter the parable of the rich fool. He hoards his wealth, believing it will secure his future, but God calls him a fool. This serves as a powerful reminder that true wealth isn’t measured by what we accumulate, but by our richness towards God.
The Dangers of Idolatry
When money becomes an idol, it can lead to two destructive attitudes:
1. Greed: This deep-seated craving for more hardens our hearts and distances us from God and others.
2. Fear: The fear of lack drives us to cling tightly to our resources, causing us to miss out on trusting God as our provider.
Money as Seed
In our discussions about generosity, it’s crucial to view money as a seed. Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 9:6 highlight the principle of “sowing and reaping.”
Two Ways to Treat a Seed
1. Keep It: You can store or consume your seed, but this limits its potential.
2. Plant It: When you plant a seed, you unlock its ability to multiply.
Luke 6:38 encourages us, “Give, and it will be given to you.” The act of giving connects us to the abundant blessings that God has in store.
Biblical Examples of Generosity
Throughout the Bible, figures like Abraham and Jacob exemplified the principle of giving. Abraham’s tithe (Genesis 14:20) and Jacob’s vow (Genesis 28:20) illustrate their trust in God’s provision. These examples show us that generosity isn’t just an act; it’s a way of life that invites God’s blessings.
A Good Measure
As we navigate our finances, we must remember three key principles:
1. Count it, don’t love it.
2. Save it, don’t waste it.
3. Give it, don’t hoard it.
Of these, “Give it, don’t hoard it” is the most powerful. When we give generously, as stated in Proverbs 11:24-25, we reflect our trust in God.
The Test of Generosity
Malachi 3:10 invites us to “bring all the tithes into the storehouse” and test God’s faithfulness. When we give, we demonstrate our trust and love for Him, showing that He has our hearts.
Conclusion
In a world that often encourages hoarding and self-preservation, let’s choose to be generous. Remember, our treasures reveal our hearts. When we give, we not only bless others but also open ourselves to the bountiful blessings of God.
Let’s be a community that sows bountifully, trusting that we will reap bountifully in return. Share your stories of how generosity has impacted your life, and let’s inspire one another to live generously!