Open Handedনমুনা

It can be tempting to see generosity and giving in the same way we do our budgets. We look at the bottom line and wonder, Is this enough? Will we have enough to offer? Will it make enough of an impact? Will we have enough left over? Will we get enough in return? If that’s how you’ve felt about anything you’ve had to give, you’re not alone! However, Scripture asks us to consider that we might be asking the wrong question here. With God, everything we have is enough. It’s enough to make an impact, enough to serve someone else, enough for us, and enough for God. As Paul pointed out here, it’s not how much we give that’s the measure; it’s the heart behind that giving. If we sow, or give, sparingly, we’ll likely never feel like it’s enough, both for us and those on the other side of our generosity. But if we sow, or give, generously, we’ll never have to wonder if we’ll have enough or make enough of a dent. Because our hearts and hands are open around all of it, we’re giving generously out of what we have. And as Paul said, when we do, we can be confident that we’re going to get back generously in the same way.

Today, consider what you have to give. (Remember, this is about more than money!) Then, think about what it might look like to sow, or give, those things generously. Pray that God would open your eyes to all He’s giving back to you in return.