Social programs are a byword in our modern culture.
Short on food? There’s a program for that.
Can’t afford a doctor? Try the free clinic.
Priced out of housing? A subsidy will get you into an apartment today.
Giving is almost a requirement in our society. We give (sometimes unwillingly), and the government takes to spread it around to those in need.
The rest is ours to keep, right? There’s no point in giving more money away. The government already has that covered, doesn’t it?
Yes . . . and no.
We benefit ourselves when we are generous above and beyond what social programs can offer those in need.
Proverbs 11:24-25 gives us four thoughtful observations on generosity (and the lack of it).
Observation 1: “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer.”
Turning loose of excess riches reveals the value of relationships and experiences.
Observation 2: “Another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.”
The more a person hoards, the more they feel they need. There will never be enough.
Observation 3: “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched.”
The joy of doing for others far exceeds pampered indulgences.
Observation 4: “One who waters will himself be watered.”
This returns us to the Golden Rule, that we must do unto others as we would have them do unto us. How we treat people will return to us in how we are treated.
Generosity is for today. Forget the government programs. We need to step up for others – and for ourselves.
Everyone benefits.
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Code: FGO.A.30.19.vp.esv