Give Freely

17 Jun

Brothers and sisters, consider this:
whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly,
and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.  (2 Cor 9:6)

If we were restricted to describing people by using one word at a time, one of the words would definitely have to be stingy.

From the time we are very young, we begin to hoard.  “Mine!” becomes the most-used word of many a child.

We often apply that same kind of attitude toward God as well.  We want to get all of God’s blessings.  We often resent it when others are blessed more abundantly than we are because, after all, God’s blessings should be “mine!”

In his second letter to the Corinthians, St. Paul tells the early Christian community that “mine!” should not be a part of their vocabulary.  “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly.”

If we want to receive God’s blessings in abundance, we must give in abundance.

That seems to be contradictory; but, it is true.  Anyone who is involved in active ministry will tell you that the more they give to others, the more they feel they receive.

Oftentimes, when people give generously of their finances to help someone in need, they end up receiving a windfall and receive all, if not more, of their finances back.

If someone is feeling blue, all that person has to do is help another and he or she will end up feeling better.

It is true that when we sow bountifully, we reap bountifully.  If only God’s people would understand that.  Imagine what a beautifully changed world this would be if everyone opened their hearts toward others!

FAITH ACTION:  Putting your faith in action, abundantly give to others — of your time, talent and/or treasure — this day.