January 9

Gaining by Giving

A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. — Prov 11:25 BSB

If I want to thrive spiritually, I must not hoard what I have but instead share with those in need. Being tight-fisted and stingy may be the world’s way to prosperity, but it’s not God’s way. He says, “There is one who gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” Faith teaches us that the way to gain is through giving. I need to keep practicing this, trusting that as much prosperity as is good for me will come as a gracious reward for living generously.

Of course, I may not expect to become rich. I might be well-nourished but not overly so. Excessive wealth could weigh me down like obesity often does to the body, leading to the spiritual equivalent of indigestion—worldliness—and perhaps even a hardening of the heart. No, if I’m blessed with enough to be healthy, that’s plenty to be grateful for, and if the Lord provides me with what I need, I should be completely content.

However, there’s a kind of richness—mental and spiritual fullness—that I deeply desire, and this comes from having generous thoughts toward God, His church, and my fellow human beings. Let me not be stingy, lest I starve my heart. Let me be generous and open-handed, for in doing so, I will reflect my Lord. He gave Himself for me; how could I ever hold back from giving to Him?