Reckless Giving - Martin Wiles

The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers. Psalm 37:21 NLT

With selfishness slithering from his fingers, he approached his father and demanded his inheritance.

He was the younger of his father’s two sons. Disregarding the cultural norm, he approached his father and demanded his one third of his father’s possessions. Since most wealth was measured in land and livestock, his father had to sell part of his ownings to answer his son’s demands.

Knowing what the son was probably up to but wanting to show him love, the father bowed to his son’s request. Sure enough, the son took off to a far country. His friends were many as long as he showed them a good time, but when his money ran out they did too. Taking a job at the bottom of the social totem pole was the best he could do, but after a short time he’d had enough.

Living under his father’s roof seemed enticing. He worked up a repentance speech and headed for home. Thinking the best he could hope for was to work as his father’s servant, he imagined how he would beg his father to let him do that. But when his father saw him coming, he ran to him, hugged him, welcomed him home, and acted as if he’d never left. His selfishness was rewarded with a restored position.

According to the psalmist, the father was a perfect picture of a prodigal (generous) giver. The son was wicked. He took and never repaid, but the father gave.

Giving can take many forms. It may be money, possessions, time, mentoring, teaching, or hands-on work. Giving can also be preceded by different motives. Some do it out of guilt, some out of compassion, some out of appreciation, and some because they desire recognition. The father did it out of agape (unconditional) love.

As a believer, I should give because I’ve been given to. The father in the story represents God. God gave His Son to pay for my sins, but He continually gives to me each day. He gives forgiveness, guidance, comfort, strength, love, and wisdom. God has no ulterior motives when He gives. Nor should I. My giving, in whatever form it takes, should come from sheer appreciation of what He’s given to me. When I give in faith, God promises to meet any needs I have.

Give generously—until it hurts. You’ll never be able to outgive God.

Tweetable: It's impossible to outgive God. 

Prayer: Father, we praise You for Your wonderful gift of salvation. May we give as You have given to us. 

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A Different Kind of Generosity - Dr. Brian Fletcher

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.  You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. 2 Corinthians 9:10-12 ESV

In my twenty years in full-time ministry, I’ve been the recipient of some generous gifts from some amazing people. Our family has received a new oven, three cars, a new transmission, clothes, vacations, and even a surprise shopping spree. 

But I’ve also had some people pour into me spiritually over the years. In this sense, they were spiritually generous. These people were deep in their walk with Christ, and they were listening and learning about God’s grace and His unsurpassing love. They met with me early in the morning or late into the night. They skipped over the chit-chat and got right to what God was teaching them in their lives, pouring out their soul to me in the hopes I would catch a glimpse of this amazing God who showered us with His love through Jesus.

God wants us not only to be materially generous to the ministries He is leading us to give to, but also to be spiritually generous. Take five minutes to dwell on your life in Christ, thinking deeply about how much He has given you spiritually . . . how He has been gracious to you in specific ways.

Remember those who have poured their life into you. Those who have been spiritually generous to you, those who have impacted your life, those who have strengthened your marriage or parenting skills, and those who have helped you understand the gospel in deeper ways.

When we’ve reminded ourselves of those blessings, God wants us to bless others . . . to be generous spiritually to them. 

Take what God teaches you every day and share it with someone. Allow the grace Christ pours into you to overflow to those around you.

Dr. Brian Fletcher is a husband, dad, pastor, speaker, founder of Ministry Leadership Academy, and podcaster at The Gospel Changes Everything. He serves as Associate Pastor at Spring Run Presbyterian Church. 

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