God puts it plainly for us all to know. When we are stingy we will not reap much. However, when we are generous we will reap abundantly. The hard part is overcoming the way the world has taught us to be responsible and watch out for ourselves. These principles are not outrightly bad or misguided. In fact, God does want us to be responsible with His gifts and be mindful of how we are caring for ourselves. Unfortunately, the world teaches us to put these things above all else. The most faulty part of the responsible and caring for ourselves mindset is that it puts very little trust in God to provide for us. It is when we trust in Him and make that our overarching understanding that we are able to give without overwhelm that there will be enough. This requires a transformed heart. A heart that seeks to be grateful first is one that will be transformed. Nothing we have is by our own hands. It is all a gift from God. It is our choice to allow Him to bless us by trusting in Him with everything.
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 Corinthians 6-8 NIV
What an incredible picture of freedom. When we are generous with our gifts we are not only provided for what we need, but we are also given an increase of our harvest. It behooves us to be generous. God has created it this way. When we give freely everything operates more efficiently. Our righteousness permeates the world around us. When righteousness is able to move freely, right living can be made available to all without the constraints of the world. We are created to be blessings to each other. When we give generously we cannot help but thank God. The world loses its hold of difficulty, because we know we are taken care of. Generosity begets generosity. Let’s live freely with all we have and let our barns burst.
As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
2 Corinthians 9-11 NIV
Considerations for your planner:
- Write down what it means to be generous to you. What could you be generous with that you have not been before?
- How does the world have a hold on you? Write down what you are fearful or worried about. This could be the very place you can exercise generosity and gain freedom.
A Story of Giving:
I remember when giving was difficult. It felt impossible to make sense of giving when I was still in need. The concept of giving to receive seemed counterintuitive. Not to mention I didn’t want to give with an expectation of receiving. My heart needed to be moved and changed.
Even when blessings poured into my life I was still worried about giving. My appetite for more consumed me. My outlook was all wrong. I thought I needed to do more so that I could get more. Through some tough times and heavy reframing of what was most important in life I prayed that God could take all my worldly possessions if He’d only make a way for me to not struggle any longer.
It is incredible what happened next. From the moment I let it all go, metaphorically, peace came over my life. My outlook began to change, because I had felt the power of God. I now look for opportunities to let go and give. I never want things of this world to have power over me. They robbed me of peace. When I seek God I know I will be provided for. I do not worry like I used to. Giving releases me from the expectation that the burdens of this world are on my shoulders.
- Anonymous
Strengthen the Christian Planner Family by sharing your experiences. We'd love to hear a story about God's work in your life. Use the form linked below to submit your story.
