Nougat 4

Generous to a ‘fault’? Nothing wrong with it – check out today’s Holy Nougat

Recently, a much-publicized good deed went awry, leaving the person in the lurch. Today’s Holy Nougat invites us to reflect reflect on giving.

“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” ‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭25‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Generous (adjective);

Willingness to give more than required without prompting, habitual giving

Prosper (verb);

To succeed Materially or Financially; Grow and/or thrive

Not for tax purposes, or publicity, but simply from a desire to help others. That’s true generosity. And that’s what our Lord desires.

Some would say easier said than done, and that’s also true. But if we are honest with ourselves, walking the faith-walk is not always easy. Ironically, this nougat offers a promise or two. As generous individuals, we can look forward to prospering. This is the true Prosperity Gospel. ie When we give to our God (to those in real need), without guile or superficiality, we grow and thrive. I’m not talking about riches or fame, as that can disappear at any time. I’m talking about stuff that truly matter.

There are all kinds of stories about people who were genuinely generous and how one of those acts of kindness translated into medical or other help later. That also has its place. But I’m talking about Proverbs 19 kind of generosity, where we give to the poor and God sees it as a loan. For God always repays with interest! Not always in the same value (dollar for dollar, item for item, etc), but the return on our investment appears when we need it as needed – including favor with authorities to our kinfolk.

Giving and generosity is not only about the material, as the refreshing mentioned can also be about the emotional impact we have on others. As in, the ways we mentor and provide support to those needing a shoulder. Ironically, those are sometimes harder to find than financial support. But what if we are the person God’s preselected to encourage another? It is possible. In fact, sometimes our issues provide us with experience to journey with another in the future.

Let’s choose to be unfailing in assisting others – not for temporal, earthly accolades – but unto God.

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May all we seek be found in Christ