Daily Devotions based on the Sermon Series: “Timely Teaching for Turbulent Times”
Week 5 of 6: “The Impact of Generosity!”
Full Sunday message: CONTEMPORARY or TRADITIONAL
THIS WEEK: Impact of Generosity
What’s in it for me?
If we expend time energy and effort, we generally expect that we will receive something in return. If I pay money to a store, I leave with the product I want. Even if I give something away for “free,” I expect that I will receive a referral for business, or additional purchases as a result.
It’s hard to give freely without expecting something in return.
But that’s what generosity is. Generosity is giving of our time, energy, effort, and finances without EXPECTING something in return.
The amazing impact of God’s generosity, is he again promises blessings for those who are generous. Take a look.
- God promises blessing to the work that you do.
Deuteronomy 15:10 Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.
2. Generosity sets an example for your children, who in turn will be a blessing to others.
Psalm 37:26 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be a blessing.
3. Goodness comes those who are generous and act with justice.
Psalm 112:5 Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.
4. Generosity precedes prosperity.
Proverbs 11:25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.
5. Blessing follows generosity
Proverbs 22:9 The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.
One word of caution and clarification. Our sinful nature loves to take these passages and “make deals” with God. They sound like, “I will give more to your kingdom work Lord, but I expect to get a raise at work.” DO NOT program how God should repay your generosity. As soon as you do, it is no longer generosity driving your gift, but rather greed.
Generosity and how God blesses you through it are connected, but separate. Give generously because God has given generously to you. Period. If, when and how God chooses to bless you, receive it with thanks as another evidence that a gracious and loving God loves to be generous to his children.
Enjoy the generosity God has given you. Be generous in every situation. Enjoy the blessings God gives to those who live generously by faith in him.
Apply: What blessings have you received in connection to times where you have been generous?
PRAYER: Lord, again thank you for impacting my life with your generosity. Use me in every situation to impact others with the same generosity you have shown to me. AMEN.