Give Generously - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) February 2, 2024

God has called us to freely give to others from what we have no matter how tiny it seems. Jesus Himself taught His disciples that it is better to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). And we are also expected to give generously per 2 Corinthians 9:6 - Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. How exactly do we do this during these times of economic uncertainty and inflation? And how do we give cheerfully as we are told in 2 Corinthians 9:7, which states that "God loves a cheerful giver"?

Generosity is the capacity to give more than what is expected even when this puts the giver at a disadvantage. Jesus is a perfect example. When He fed 5000 men with the miracle of the five loaves of bread and two fish, He ensured all were satisfied (Luke 9:17). He could have simply given people a little to eat. Instead, He ensured their bellies were full and that there was plenty extra for anyone who needed more.

Similarly, there's a wonderful example of generosity in the Old Testament. When the Israelites were contributing items for the building and beautification of the Tabernacle, they brought so much that Moses told them to stop. Exodus 36:5 - “The people are bringing more than enough for doing the work the Lord commanded to be done.”

There are many benefits to being generous. One is listed in Proverbs 11:25 which states, "A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed." To prosper is to be successful at all one puts their hands to. Prosperity goes beyond wealth and reflects God's favor and glory in every aspect of a person's life. All God's children should desire such blessings.

Therefore, when praying for others, do so tirelessly. Our prayers may need to continue for weeks or even years. Generously intercede for people, praying with zeal for as many as possible and as regularly as possible. When you give from your finances, give what you can and do so cheerfully. Pray that no matter how small the amount, that same multiplication power that allowed 5 loaves and 2 fish to feed thousands will turn the little into plenty. And when the Lord calls you to give of your time to someone, something, or even to Him, ignore the itch to quit so you can get back to your regular schedule. Happily give your time to the things God has placed in your heart to do.

The devil will discourage your giving. It will lie, saying that praying for a particular person won't help because their issue is too far gone. It will note all the bills you are yet to pay when you want to give of your finances. And when you want to sacrifice your time to others in need, it will remind you of your never-ending 'to-do' list. Silence the devil with God's word. Remember that your giving honors the Lord per Proverbs 3:9 - Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops. It is therefore best to honor God by giving Him what He wants and never honor satan by doing what it wants, which is to not be a giver. Talk less of a cheerful and generous one.

The Lord will help us all to emulate what is godly and righteous in our giving, IJMN Amen.