Enriched Living!

Solomon noted. . .
"(24) One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want." ( Proverbs 11:24 ESV)

Is it strange that such would be the case? The contrast is between the giver and the hoarder; a difference between a generous spirit and a stingy one. In one's GENEROSITY they find BLESSING though it may come in various ways. Do we view what we posses merely in terms of our own needs, or also the needs of others? Have we experienced the BLESSING that comes in helping meet other's needs? As Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, he noted that earning an income through work is not only for our own needs, but also so that we will have something to share. ( Ephesians 4:28) Therefore we should understand that having is not merely about our own selves.

Solomon went on to state. . .
"(25) Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered." ( Proverbs 11:25 ESV)

Today we hear the expression, "What goes around comes around." Generally speaking, that is very true. Though OUR GIVING should not be with a view toward repayment, mutual benefit is usually ultimately the outcome. Someone has said, "It is in spending oneself that one becomes rich." [source: "1600 Squibs And Quips", compile by E. C. McKenzie] Paul encouraged Timothy to exhort the wealthy "to be RICH IN GOOD WORKS, to be generous and ready to share" ( 1 Timothy 6:18), for in so doing they would gain life that is truly life. ( 1 Timothy 6:19) By enriching the lives of others through the GIVING of ourselves and what we possess, we will ourselves find enrichment through the relationships we develop and the blessing God brings to our lives as well. May we maintain such a view beyond ourselves.

Have a great day ENJOYING THE BLESSING OF A GENEROUS SPIRIT!
Carl

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