Proverbs 11:24
There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more,
And there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want.
I see two ways to read this. The first is the literal - One scatters what he has - gives widely and generously - and he increases all the more. Picture scattering seed after which the harvest is plentiful. One withholds what he should be scattering, and he ends up only wanting - both because his harvest is light and because he continues to want more and more, never satisfied.
But also consider that what we should scatter is God’s word. What happens when we share the word with others, when we teach another person? Our own understanding grows also. While the one who withholds God’s word never gets to see God at work in others and doesn’t develop a deeper understanding and relationship with God.
Offering prayer
Heavenly Father, we confess that it's sometimes hard to be generous, to give freely of our time, resources, and talents. We ask that you would help us overcome our tendency towards selfishness and greed. Help us to be more like you, who gives so generously to us. We pray that you would fill our hearts with a spirit of generosity, and that we would trust in your provision, knowing that you bless those who are a blessing to others. We thank you for your word, and ask that you embolden us to share it widely with the people we meet. May we be a source of refreshment and blessing to those around us, and may we experience the abundance that comes from living a life of generosity. In Jesus' name, Amen."
No comments:
Post a Comment