Learning to be GENEROUS

This is something that does NOT come naturally to me, in my small and greedy ways, I tend to want to hold on to most of what is mine and only share what I don’t want or absolutely need!

I admit that my natural tendencies are flawed, sin-prone and generally VERY ugly! So what does a gal do? Look to the GOOD BOOK! God gives us a LOT of instruction in this particular area…thankfully!

Proverbs 11:25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

WOW! What a wonderful promise. God just doesn’t tell us “share or else.” But he is a God who delights in rewarding obedience, He promises us that when we give freely that He will prosper us.

Dictionary.com defines PROSPER: to be successful or fortunate, especially in financial respects; thrive; flourish.

Who wouldn’t want that? You’re nuts if you say no. And I mean walnuts, pecans, filbert—even! Ha ha ha!

2 Corinthians 9:6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Just more encouragement and warning that our actions in regards to what we give MATTERS to God. He is watching to see if we are hoarders or generous givers. God cares about these details, they are signs of our heart condition and honestly, our level of trust in Him. God even specifies the attitude of our heart when we give. “…God loves a cheerful giver.” So don’t think you can “cheat” by giving with a grumpy attitude in your heart. I think God rather we just keep (whatever it is) in that case!

I hope this spurs you on to give generously of your time, talents and financial blessing too! Rest assured that God will see your obedience and your cheerful heart and send you blessing that cannot even be quantified (but sometimes it can!)

2012 is my year to give more of all God has blessed me with and to do it with a cheery disposition that would make Polly Anna jealous! Ha ha ha!

Give, Giver, Giviest,

Tiffany