“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” Proverbs 11:24 NIV
This is a good one to ponder during the “season of giving”. Obviously this is much bigger than Christmas but there is no doubt this time of year positions the concept of giving squarely in the front of many minds. ‘God gave’ is the thematic start to the entirety of all history and the story of redemption. ‘Jesus gave’ drives the gospel starting with His birth in utter poverty through the laying down of His life on a cross. “The Trinity gave’ on Pentecost when the Holy Spirit first infused all believers with His constant presence, peace and power (probably a sermon outline somewhere in those 3 “P’s”). God continues to give gifts, fruits and transformation to all His followers. Yep, giving is a constant and powerful theme of God and His children. As expressed in this verse by Solomon God does give freely. It is all a free gift from Him to whoever would acknowledge the baby in the manger, the sacrifice on the cross and the savior who left behind the empty tomb. Giving. Something to ponder. We have been blessed and given to. It is incumbent on us to give generously as a reflection of the greatest Giver. Yes, Solomon refers to the stingy, the one who has abundant and yet withholds from those with need. Surely that cannot be us. “To whom much is given” right? Today give freely of yourself as God leads. #BeTheEdge
“…From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Jesus
