Prayer To Live Generously Rather Than In Angry Reaction To The Bad Behaviour of Others

PAYING IT FORWARD

Living a life of goodness, peace, and joy reflects the life of God in us and our surrender to the work of the Spirit of God within us.  As God pours out His blessings upon us, we need to let those blessings overflow to others.

There’s never been a time when that’s more needed than during these long and protracted months of the pandemic and social isolation where, particularly small businesses, are really challenged financially with long weeks and months of lockdown because they are considered “non-essential.” 

There is a hilarious video that has made I across the Atlantic Ocean about a guy going shopping in his underwear since clothes shops were closed because they were considered, “non-essential.”  I’ll put a link in the notes below the video if you are interested in seeing it. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vcy4p9cO6G0

Whatever is or isn’t essential in terms of store openings these days, what is till essential for all of us is that when we encounter someone who is troubled and in need of compassion and encouragement, we show up to comfort them and help them with the same comfort and help we have received so many times.  God promises that as we give to others He will pour even more back into our lives.

Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing.  Giving, not getting, is the way.  Generosity begets generosity. Luke 6:38

A person with goodness in their heart will naturally share that goodness with others.  But here’s where the “rubber hits the road” so to speak.  Blessings and curses cannot come from the same heart. 

Particularly during these days of the pandemic we can be angry at this person or that group for doing that “non-essential” thing – locally it’s a guy who was raided this past weekend running a nightclub style establishment in his penthouse suite.  More than 70 people were fined or arrested at 3am – pity the neighbours – how well I know after living for a time beside a house where dozens of young people gathered for after hours parties.

Then there are those who are spoiling the opportunity for others to get out and go to the ski hills at places like Whistler because although protocols are being followed on the ski hills, they are getting together in condos and bars afterwards for parties.  In January of this year Whistler has already surpassed the total number of covid cases from all of 2020.

So we get angry and recede into our own little protected worlds and fail to reach out and do what we can for others who are struggling even more than we are.  God’s word tells us:

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.  Ephesians 4:31-32[EQ1] 

As we accept God’s amazing grace, and then grace others, we will experience the joy and security of the generous life God always intended us to have. Our behaviour should never be simply a reaction to the good or evil of others.  We act in response to God’s great love and generosity given to us.  Let’s not let discontent at the behaviour of others rob us of God’s moment to pay forward His blessing into the lives of someone else.

Make sure no one gets left out of God’s generosity.  Keep a sharp eye out for weeds of bitter discontent.  A thistle or two gone to seed can ruin a whole garden in no time.  Hebrews 12:14

Heavenly Father, You are a God of unfailing love and faithfulness.  Help us to follow Your principles in all our affairs and to bless others as we have been blessed by You.  We are frustrated by the behaviour of others and long for ways to see these irresponsible actions stopped so the spread of the virus is slowed. Work in them Holy Spirit, we pray, that their hearts and minds would be changed for good and destructive behaviour that ultimately harms all of us would stop.

But in the meantime, we want to live each day seeking and living Your agenda.  You’ve called us to be those who bless and who make sure everyone receives from Your generosity.  Forgive us for the times our own irritation and discontent have kept us from focusing our attention on what we do have and what we could do that could make a difference for someone else. 

Move us from fear to faith, from worrying about our finances going forward to blessing others, trusting that as we listen to Your voice and share generously, that You will give back to us as the Bible says, “pressed own, shaken together, and running over.”

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

So, have a wonderful day finding someone you can call or send a gift to or in some small way you can help someone in need.  You’ll be better for it and for sure, you’ll feel better when you do.