Overflowing with grace?

Holding the magazine sweepstakes envelope with the promise of $10 million winnings trumpeted on it, I got lost for a few moments in a daydream. I saw myself buying this person a car, paying off that person's school loans, helping another get a business started, providing funds to a struggling ministry... it was fun, but fantasy! Then the Holy Spirit brought to mind a line from a story in the book of Acts- "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee." (Acts 3:6, KJV) I felt the challenge in my spirit- "Jerry, what are you doing with what I have given you, with the abundant spiritual wealth that is yours?"

Peter and John were going into the Temple to pray at 3 in the afternoon when a beggar called out to them for money. The man had been in that spot near the gate for years, crippled and dependent on the kindness of those who passed by. "Help me, show some kindness!" he yelled, holding out his hand pathetically. Peter stopped; looked right at him and said, "Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." (Acts 3:6, KJV) The crippled man "stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God." (Acts 3:8, KJV)

You and I may not have access to great sums of money to bless others, but we have been given amazing grace, infinite love, abundant mercy, astonishing kindness... need I go on? People need to be gifted with those things, more than money! But a generous spirit is not a first impulse for most of us. It is the result of a transformational work of the Spirit in us. Naturally we tend to think about caring for ourselves; making certain that we have secured our place, our future, provision for our perceived needs.

Want to gauge your level of generosity? Start with the practical stuff of life! Think about how you tip those who provide services to you. Do you carefully calculate 15% or throw in an extra couple of dollars? When you write out your tithe (10% for God's work) do you divide it down to the penny, or do you round it up with joy? When you're in line do you carefully guard your position or quickly let the guy with a couple of items cut in front of you? Are you impatient with drivers who go too slowly in your lane, or cheerfully share the road?

When we possess the riches of God, not just in word but in our hearts, we are freed from the need to grasp tightly what we perceive belongs to us. We will gain a liberal heart, a generous spirit that overflows. We will take notice of the hurts, the sorrows, the pain of those around us and give them from the store of love that we have received from the Lord. We will readily absorb the insensitivities and insecurities that cause others to slight us without the least care because we are so rich in the Father's love!

The Word observes the principle of reciprocity -
"It is possible to give freely and become more wealthy, but those who are stingy will lose everything. The generous prosper and are satisfied; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." (Proverbs 11:24-25, NLT) Jesus states it simply -
"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, The Message)

For a few moments, right now, thank God for the riches you have been given in Christ Jesus. Meditate on this statement: "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8, NIV)

Then, go-- and give it away! Have fun blessing people with love, kindness, mercy, goodness - from the rich storehouse to which God has given you the key!
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Lavish love abundant beauty
Gracious gifts for heart and hand
Life that fills the soul and senses
All burst forth at Your command.
Lord, our Lord, Eternal Father
Great Creator, God and Friend
Boundless power gave full expression
To Your love which knows no end.

Who am I that You should love me
Meet my every need from birth?
Why invest Yourself so fully
In a creature made of earth?
In Your loving heart You planned me
Fashioned me with greatest care;
Through my soul You breathed Your Spirit
Planted Your own image there.

I am Yours, Eternal Father
All my body, mind and heart.
Take and use me to Your glory
Form Yourself in every part.
Lord, Your love brings joy and gladness
Flowing forth within my soul.
May my very breath and being
Rise to You, their source and goal.

© 1986 Word Music, Inc. (a div. of Word Music Group, Inc.)
CCLI License No. 810055