A new believer visited the home of a senior Christian leader who volunteered to be his mentor. On one occasion, the new believer asked: “Sir, I see your shelves sometimes full and within a few days empty. It is the same in the case of your fridge, bookshelves, wardrobes, and even wallet.” The man of God replied: “God promised to open the floodgates of heaven, shower his blessings so that there is not enough room in the storehouses. Hence, to receive new blessings, I must empty the old. So, I give away all I have as soon as possible. His promise has never failed me.” (Malachi 3:10)
Hard-hearted and tight-fisted: God warned Israel not to be hard-hearted and tight-fisted towards the poor who live in their vicinity. (Deuteronomy 15:7-8) The Bible teaches that stinginess leads to poverty, while generosity leads to prosperity. (Proverbs 11:24-25; 28:22) God is generous to those who are ungrateful and evil; hence, followers of Christ should be like Him. (Luke 6:35)
Trash and treasure: One person’s trash could be another person’s treasure. An old bicycle or a motorbike may be trash for someone, but an essential need, a treasure for those who are poorer.
Disciples are stewards: Generosity is the expression of Christian stewardship. God’s love, evident in a disciple’s life, is demonstrated by sharing worldly goods with those in need. (I John 3:17) Sharing with anyone in need is stewardship. Paul exhorts believers to work hard, earn, and share with those who are unable to work or earn and are in need. (Ephesians 4:28) True spirituality means caring for those who are marginalised, impoverished, and forgotten. Giving to widows, orphans, fatherless, and oppressed is a mark of Christian faith.
More blessed: The Lord Jesus Christ taught that it is more blessed to give than receive. (Acts 20:35) Those who feed the hungry, care for the sick, clothe the naked, and visit the prisoners are really serving God. (Matthew 25:35-40)
Do I have a generous heart and open hand to be a blessing to others?