Responsible and Generous

God wants us to be responsible and generous with all He has given us – time, abilities, money, possessions.  God does not want us to over consume just because we have the money or carelessly spend the money and resources we have as soon as we get them, with no thought about what we might need in the future.  

He also wants us to help others even though we might feel our resources are limited.  God wants us to ask for wisdom and seek His will in how we use the resources we have been given.  He promises to bless us when we do.  

Remember this: The one who plants few seeds will have a small harvest. But the one who plants a lot will have a big harvest. Each one of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give. You should not give if it makes you unhappy or if you feel forced to give. God loves those who are happy to give. And God can give you more blessings than you need, and you will always have plenty of everything. You will have enough to give to every good work.  
2 Corinthians 9:6-8

When we become aware of a need, we should ask God what our part might be in meeting that need, and then obey what God says.  As we give to God and to others as God directs, He promises that we will receive back what we have given, abundantly multiplied.

Give to others, and you will receive. You will be given much. It will be poured into your hands—more than you can hold. You will be given so much that it will spill into your lap. The way you give to others is the way God will give to you. Luke 6:38

Heavenly Father, Thank you for providing what we need for this day and for your promise to always meet our needs as we prayerfully use and share what You have given us.  

Help all of us to be those who use resources wisely, both for providing for ourselves and our loved ones today and for sharing with those in need.  Give us the restraint we need to save in a responsible manner and hands that are open to those who have less than we do.  

The Lord All-Powerful says, “Try this test. Bring one-tenth of your things to me. Put them in the treasury. Bring food to my house. Test me! If you do these things, I will surely bless you. Good things will come to you like rain falling from the sky. You will have more than enough of everything. Malachi 3:10

And so Lord, If we’ve not been in the habit of giving part of our income back to You then I pray that You would help us to begin to do so.  We can never outgive you.  Not only have we found that to be true in our lives, it’s your promise that we can even test You and we’ll see that when we give, You will surely bless us and we will have more than enough of everything.

So today, once again we thank You for all that You have given us.  Help us to be responsible and generous with all You have entrusted to our care.  Amen

Let’s have a great day being both responsible and generous.