Generous People

“The godly always give generous loans to others, and their children are a blessing.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭37:26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Godly people are generous people. Being godly is more than adhering to a set of regulations that distinguish us from others. Indeed, we should live a life that is separate from the world!  “Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭6:17‬ ‭NLT‬‬ However, we should also be a preview of the coming attraction by displaying His character.  “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:16‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Jesus was generous to those around him. He turned the water into wine, healed the sick, raised the dead, cast our demons, fed the multitudes with loaves and fish, ate with disreputable sinners, taught the people, loved them, and gave His life to save us from sin and death. Jesus is the ultimate giver!!! “Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭2:6‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Giving should be the natural outflow of a heart that has been transformed by the loving grace of The Lord Jesus Christ! When we understand how benevolent God is to us, we should respond with willful, cheerful giving to others!  “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.” ‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭9:6-10‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Let me make something very clear! God isn't telling us to give to irresponsible, lazy people.  “Even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “Those unwilling to work will not get to eat.” Yet we hear that some of you are living idle lives, refusing to work and meddling in other people’s business. We command such people and urge them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and work to earn their own living. As for the rest of you, dear brothers and sisters, never get tired of doing good.” ‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭3:10-13‬ ‭NLT‬‬ He is telling us to be kind, thoughtful, and generous to our fellow man. We should be observant of others circumstances and respond in obedience to the prompting of the Holy Spirit! As we recognize the fact that everything we have is His, we can properly place things of life in perspective and priority. We must always remember that we are managers of His resources, not owners.  Finally, we who are givers can expect a reaping from our sowing.  “Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ One of the greatest blessings we can have as a result of a godly life is a posterity (future generation) that honors God and continues to be a blessing to the world.  We MUST understand that our children are directly impacted by our example. Let's set them up for blessing, not cursing.  Are you a generous giver or an Ebenezer Scrooge?  Think about how your life is, or isn't, making a difference to others.  Good news: God has given you another day and another chance. Don't squander it!!