Generosity

Years ago, when I thought I knew God, but really only had a cursory understanding of Him, the subject of "giving" came up.

At that time, my husband and I were both making REALLY GOOD money, but the truth was - I wanted to hold onto it.  Money to me represented security.  And so...we decided that each month we would give $100 to the church.  In my mind, that felt like a fortune.

I remember hearing about tithing. I even remember knowing people who did it - but the concept seemed strange and excessive.  Money was something we worked hard for every day, and we didn't really want to share it.


One day as we were exiting church, we saw a woman with a few children asking for help.  My husband said she was most likely a beggar, and if she really needed help - the church would provide it for her...

Fast forward about 15 years.  I'm remarried, and my relationship with God is no longer surface level, but instead he is a father, friend, confidant and mentor.  

When I remember that story I am ashamed.

You see I now know the story told in Luke 5, when Jesus meets Peter for the first time. Peter (Simon) is a fisherman and he and his friends have been out fishing all night however, they have caught nothing.  Jesus said to them, "'Push out into the deep water.  Let down your nets for some fish.'  Simon said to Him, 'Teacher we have worked all night and we have caught nothing.  But because you told me to, I will let the net down.'  When they had done this, they caught so many fish their net started to break.  They called to their friends working in the other boat to come help them.  They came and both boats were so full of fish they began to sink." - Luke 5:4-7

When I operate under the misconception that I AM the reason for my success, for my wealth, and for my blessings, then I tend to hoard and not to share.  However, when I recognize that GOD IS the source for all of those things, and that just like the fish - He can fill my "nets" with all sorts of blessings, then sharing becomes much more natural.

A good friend once said, "He blesses us so we can bless others."  And Luke 6:38 says this:

"Give and it will be given to you.  A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.  For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." 

Friends - if you are feeling called to give, then remember GOD IS THE SOURCE of all that you own.  It is HIS blessings that you are sharing.

"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed." - Proverbs 19:17 







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