Daily devotion – We cannot out-give Gove
The generous soul will be made rich. – Proverbs 11:25
We just can’t out-give God – no matter how much we may try. The Bible teaches us that blessings follow those who give liberally, Proverbs 11:25 says, “The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself.”
I remember when I first gave my heart to the Lord back in 1977 on a Tuesday evening. Along with my beautiful wife Helen, reading Romans 10:9-10. It was a moment that changed our lives instantly and eternally.
Going to Church that next Sunday and from then on til today, I noticed that when people gave as the offering plate came around, they ‘really gave!’
I had not experienced that as a child, as the offering plate seemed not as overflowing as I saw that first Sunday in 1977. My heart was moved and challenged by what I saw. That Sunday afternoon I went home and looked up every bible reference on giving, tithing, offering and there were multitudes. From that study, Helen and I have faithfully and joyously given as the Bible guides us, since that time, and we are the one’s who have been blessed. You just can’t out-give God.
I have heard countless testimonies from men and women who were afraid to put to the test God’s promise to bless those who are generous. They feared they would not have enough. Then, when at last they decided to tithe (to give a tenth of their income) in accordance with the Bible’s guidance, they began to prosper. They discovered what countless others have known and experienced across the ages: You cannot out-give God.
Is there something that keeps you from being more generous in supporting God’s work? Selfishness? Fear? Insecurity? Even a sinful habit you would rather support?
Whatever the reason, repent of it and discover the blessedness of generosity. Remember, “God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Since 1977, as we have followed the Bible’s teaching on giving, God has watched over us faithfully, He has ensured that we have had what we needed at all times. But more than that, our hearts have been filled with the blessing and joy of giving back to Him who so loves us and gave His Son for us.
When people always ask me questions about giving, tithing, offerings, my answer is for them to go home and do what I did. Look at the matter of giving throughout the Bible. Then you decide from that study and obey what the Bible says on the matter.
It’s as simple as that – be blessed this week as you give, as you honour the Lord, with the first fruit of your labours. And your heart too will be filled with the joy that comes from giving.
We can’t out-give God.