God Rewards Generosity

We’ve learned much about spiritual disciplines, particularly how fasting and prayer can help us grow in our relationship with Christ. Let’s keep going and learn more about the spiritual discipline of giving and generosity. While you might not think of it as spiritual discipline at first, it is. Why? God rewards generosity. God’s blessings are a by-product of giving though we know generosity does not give in order to receive. Even so our giving and generosity is always rewarded by God.   

God rewards us when we give generously because in those moments of generous giving, we are following His example. We all know John 3:16, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” Later in Romans 8:32, Paul tells us, “Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” Our God is a giver. Our God is generous.

 All we have is from God. James tells us (1:17), “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” Even so, God expects us to manage the gifts and resources with which He entrusts us. We have a choice to be generous like God or selfish like the enemy (Satan).

 In 1 Corinthians 9:6-11, we read, “Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need, and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.” God’s Word is clear, when we give generously, we are promised an increased supply, an enlarged harvest, and a life enriched in every way. 

May we apply the spiritual discipline of giving and generosity to our lives, being good stewards of all He provides, and experiencing the abundant life God desires for us.