April 6, 2023
Melissa Valerio
The poor have an abundance of it, the rich have no need of it, and it has more power than God. What is it?
Answer: Nothing
Have you ever had so little of something that you hoarded it so as not to lose it? Scared that the moment it’s gone, it’s gone for good? It’s like that with money for a lot of people. Some of us have so little that we need every penny. We don’t even have enough to give to anyone else that may be in need. But according to Proverbs 3: 9-10, God has a different perspective “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce. Then He will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with good wine.” (NLT) My first thought to this passage is “I don’t even have any wealth, let alone giving the best part of it!” But really, God is asking us to give from what He’s already provided to us. Even if He’s only given us a little, He’s asking us to give from that little. It’s easy to give out of wealth, but giving on the little is something entirely different (like the poor woman who gave out of her poverty in Mark 12:44). That’s a true test of faith! However, He promised that trusting Him with this act of generosity will come back and produce blessing for us. “A generous person will be enriched, and the one who gives a drink of water will receive water.” (Proverbs 11:25 HCSB) I know it’s counterintuitive, thinking that giving something away will eventually come back, but God demonstrated this very principle on the cross. In giving His son for the sins of the world, not only did He gain Him back in the Resurrection, but He also gained many of us. He increased His return by the generous amount initially given. See how Paul puts it in 2 Corinthians 9:6 “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. ” (NLT) Which means the more we sow (give), the more we will get in return. If it worked for God, it will work for us.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for everything You’ve given us. Teach us to be generous and give out of what You’ve already given to us, even if it’s only a little. Grow our faith and trust in You, knowing that by giving money, time, effort, or material possessions in Your name, we are sowing in Your kingdom, and can expect a return on our investment. Thank You for teaching us this principle. In Your holy and precious name, Amen.
Action: The Easter story is about God’s greatest gift to humanity. So now it’s our turn. Give! Even if it’s just a little. Nothing exists in this world for itself alone. Plants live to give oxygen and food. Animals live to give themselves as food for other animals and humans. We exist to give of ourselves to our fellow brothers and sisters. So be generous with your time, money, skill, possessions, and abilities. Then look for a return on your investment in the way God provides all this back to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap.
image: freepik.com