Happy are generous people, because they give some of their food to the poor. (Proverbs 22:9)
The book of Proverbs includes many wise exhortations. It is true that the generous are happy. Why is this the case?
The generosity described in this selection from the book of Proverbs uses a specific illustration: giving some of one’s food to the poor. The happiness granted comes through the sharing of resources. If you look, you’ll find many opportunities to do this. Pack an extra lunch and hand it off to the homeless person you pass on the way to work, or serve at a soup kitchen. But there is a larger principle at work here—that of remembering the poor. Maybe you rarely think about the poor in your community. If so, find ways to help them financially, if not through service.
There is transformative power in giving yourself in the service of others. This kind of giving can be done in many ways. It is likely, for example, that your church has opportunities to serve the homeless and destitute. If it does not, find other churches in your area that engage in this kind of ministry, or start a ministry of your own. These ministries need financial and volunteer support, and you can be blessed by engaging in both.
Lord, give me the courage to serve the poor, and to be generous to all people both through service and through financial giving. Amen.
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In preparation for Easter, our entire church family is in a season of decision and commitment toward the goal of becoming fully devoted disciples of Jesus Christ. We invite you to join us for Committed to Christ: Six Steps to a Generous Life.
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