This week’s Bible and Money focus is on Proverbs 11:25:
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)
This scripture describes the life of a person who is generous and kind to others: They themselves will be treated with generosity and kindness – both from God and from others.
Let’s look first and the person’s actions, and then we’ll consider the result.
When Proverbs 11:25 speaks of being generous and of refreshing other people, there’s more to think about than just giving money.
There are lots of ways to be generous… in business dealings, making others feel welcome, sharing encouraging words, extending a kindness, and yes – in our charitable giving.
Similarly, there are many ways to prosper and be refreshed, too, not just including money.
We can prosper in our health, families, work, relationships, outlook on life, and our emotions and attitudes. All these can be affected in positive ways when we serve and bless others.
The principle of giving and receiving is important in God’s kingdom. I’ve experienced it in my life over and over. And I’ve observed it in the lives of others too.
Interestingly, the medical and business worlds recognize this too, whether they realize it is a biblical principle or not.
Medical studies have shown that people who are generous with their finances and their time have a greater outlook on life and a deeper sense of purpose and satisfaction than those who don’t.
I think the reason why is that when we’re generous with others, it fosters an abundance mentality in our lives. When we bless and help others, we open up new possibilities for ourselves.
Business people succeed only after they serve others. They first provide a product or service to their customers, and then they get paid.
Something else that comes to my mind is that generous people are attractive people. What I mean is that if you’re generous and you build up and encourage others, people want to be around you. They trust you. They want to do business with you.
My wife and I desire to live lives of abundance – to grow in personal generosity out of a sense of gratefulness to God. As we’ve taken new steps of faith in our giving and serving, we’ve noticed God’s hand of blessing.
Not just financially, but in terms of greater harmony in our marriage, in deeper relationships with others, and in new opportunities that have come our way.
How have you experienced this principle of giving and receiving generosity in your own life?
While You’re Here, Why Don’t You Try These On For Size:
- The Bible and Money
- Learn How to Make Money Online
- 10 Ways to Improve Your Finances
- Clergy Tax Issues
About the author
