Some people think that God gives sparingly or bountifully depending on what we deserve. However, God often gives bountifully, no matter what we do. For example, when humanity was giving sparingly, God gave so bountifully that He gave His Son in the Incarnation. Our degree of giving does not so much affect God's degree of giving; rather, it affects our degree of receiving. When we give bountifully, we open ourselves to receive God's bountiful giving. Thus, it is better to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).
Giving is the atmosphere without which Christians cannot function well. When we cut back giving, we begin choking spiritually. We can't catch our breath – the breath of the Spirit. Conversely, when we repent of selfishness and give from the heart, the fresh air of the Spirit fills us, and we begin to breathe freely. When we give, we pray, fast, worship, witness, work, and serve better.
In the world, some people go out and buy something when they're down. In Jesus, we go out and give something to start a revival in our lives. Give! Take a deep breath of the Spirit! Receive!
| PRAYER: | Father, may I be a free, generous, cheerful, and constant giver. |
| PROMISE: | "Lavishly he gives to the poor; his generosity shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory." –Ps 112:9 |
| PRAISE: | When feeling her lowest, God always provided an opportunity for Maria to minister to someone in need. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College