Key scripture – “There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more, and there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want. The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered.”(Proverbs 11: 24-25)

Do you want to be watered? If so, you will be watered and you will also find your greatest blessings when you bless and water others!

God’s way of life so often turns the world’s way of thinking on its head. The world thinks you get the most out of life by protecting and hoarding what you have and spending it on yourself. But God says that we gain the most by giving the most, that we truly live by dying to self, and that we are victorious when we surrender to God. “The stingy are eager to get rich and are unaware that poverty awaits them.” (Proverbs 28:22).

This is not a natural way of thinking. It only makes sense to a person whose understanding is being opened up by the Holy Spirit. “Dying to self”, “the way of the cross”, “the Lordship of Jesus Christ”, “a servant spirit”, “living sacrifices”, “sacrificial love” — all these expressions are different ways of describing the person who has learned this life principle, that it is better to give than to receive.

We are wrong if we think that giving will undo us and make us poor. NO, giving for God’s honor will make us rich. What we give to God we will have. “Don’t be misled – you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.” (Galatians 6;7). “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” (Galatians 6:9-10).

Today God is challenging us to get our focus off getting for ourselves and onto giving to others. He wants you to develop an attitude of giving in every encounter you have with people. “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” (Proverbs 22:9).

We need to remember the story that Jesus told us in Matthew 25:34-40. Then the king will say to the godly people on his right, ‘Come, my Father has great blessings for you. The kingdom he promised is now yours. It has been prepared for you since the world was made. It is yours because when I was hungry, you gave me food to eat. When I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I had no place to stay, you welcomed me into your home. When I was without clothes, you gave me something to wear. When I was sick, you cared for me. When I was in prison, you came to visit me.’ “Then the godly people will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and give you food? When did we see you thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you with no place to stay and welcome you into our home? When did we see you without clothes and give you something to wear? When did we see you sick or in prison and care for you?’ “Then the king will answer, ‘The truth is, anything you did for any of my people here, you also did for me.’”

Where is God prompting you to do some `watering’ today? Do it, and joy and gladness will splash all over you. “Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses.” (Proverbs 28:27).

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, put people in my life today and every day who need encouragement and help. If I follow Your way and give generously, I know that I will be refreshed because, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25). Father, I can never out give You so show me how to be generous and lend freely with what You have given to me. Jesus knew this and that is why He told us that whatever we give will be given to us, “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). Show me the measure that You want me to use when I give my time, talent, and treasures to others. In the Precious Name of Jesus I pray, Who gave it all to save us, Amen.