There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself. The people will curse him who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of him who sells it. He who earnestly seeks good finds favor, but trouble will come to him who seeks evil. He who trusts in his riches will fall, but the righteous will flourish like foliage. He who troubles his own house will inherit the wind, and the fool will be servant to the wise of heart. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. If the righteous will be recompensed on the earth, how much more the ungodly and the sinner. Proverbs 11:24-31
Getting vs Giving
All too often we focus on getting rather then giving. Our culture has created a mindset of "I need. I want. I deserve." Rather than "How can I help and bless someone else." When we stop and really think for a moment, we don't REALLY NEED the latest and newest item. Our old one works just fine. Yet, we all too often become self-centered and convince ourselves that we NEED more.
How do we truly learn how to bless others?
First we have to realize that blessing others isn't always about "things". Going into debt to buy lots of stuff, it not wise. Blessing others is about sharing what you have and helping others as you are able.
The generous soul. The one who abundantly blesses.
In what ways can I bless others?
• Attitude
By having a pleasant and kind attitude, I create an atmosphere of joy and happiness.
• Abilities
By sharing my abilities and talents with other, I help ease their burdens by supporting them in accomplishing their tasks.
• Appearance
Sometimes, just by "showing up", we can encourage someone. It can be just to listen, laugh, pray, or supporting them in a performance.
• Attentiveness
Paying attention to the needs, emotions, hurts, joy of others and being attentive to how I can help during those times.
• All about ME—NOT!
It's not all about ME—or at least it's not supposed to be! First, comes GOD! He is the One who should be directing my daily agenda. Secondly, it's about encouraging those around me—having a generous soul. I have found that when the first and second are in their proper order, I am well taken care of!
Getting vs Giving
To keep those two in their proper order, my heart must be permeated with a deep sense of reverence for God (Acts 9:31 MSG). And when I find myself with that 2-year-old mentality of "MINE, I WANT", I need to stop and give myself a timeout!
The generous soul. A goal for which to strive, not just at Christmas time, but year-round.
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