June 23, 2011

A Life-changing Choice

Stingy, selfish, miserly, parsimonious, tight-fisted — all these terms describe someone who has a hard time giving. These folks have a strong grip on what is “theirs.” They are “withholders.” Not only do they have a tough time giving, they usually have a tough time forgiving also. They build tight borders and high walls around themselves. They are emotionally resistant, resentful, and often reclusive. They carefully measure their gifts and service.

The Bible addresses attitudes like these. If we’re going to grow spiritually, at some point we must confront these traits and tendencies in ourselves. We must be willing to let God change the way we think, live and give.

One of the major characteristics of God is His generous and gracious nature. His Word contains very specific commands and instructions about giving, forgiving, sharing and extending our lives to others. It also includes great promises to those who choose to be generous, magnanimous, big-hearted and gracious.

The key word is “choose.” Becoming a bigger, better, more generous and gracious person is a choice. It’s not something God forces on us, or something that happens without our effort. It comes as a result of choosing to be different. It’s a decision that transform our actions. It’s a determination that declares, “I refuse to be small-hearted and tight-fisted any longer. I choose to be a giver and forgiver!”

Take a look at a few of the blessings promised to those who choose to be generous and gracious:

We become “godly” people — we show God’s nature to the world.

… the godly are generous givers. — Psalm 37:21 (NLT)

We receive God’s guidance.

Light shines in the darkness for the godly. They are generous, compassionate, and righteous. — Psalm 112:4

We experience personal refreshing.

The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. — Proverbs 11:25 (NLT)

God meets our needs.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. — Luke 6:38 (NIV)

We position ourselves for God’s blessings.

… remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Acts 20:35 (NIV)

We attract God’s attention.

… For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. — 2 Corinthians 9:7, 8 (NLT)

Choose to follow God’s example of generosity and grace — to grow in giving and forgiving. It will change your life for the better!

Pastor Dale