Last weekend, my husband, Joe, and I were browsing around one of our local stores because we had a 20% off coupon. Normally, we find plenty of things to buy while we are there, but this time, we walked around the entire store and found nothing that looked appealing. At one point, we overheard a customer asking a sales person where she could get a store coupon, in order to get the furniture she was interested in at a discount price. The sales rep told her that she would have to join the store’s mailing list so she could receive their promotions. Joe and I looked at each other and both agreed that we should offer our coupon to this lady. She was both stunned and delighted when we walked up to her and offered her our own coupon.

Joe and I knew that the Lord had us at that store at just the right time to give that woman our discount coupon. Never before had we walked around that store and found absolutely nothing that we wanted to buy. God used us to bless that woman at just the right time. If we had withheld that coupon and kept it to ourselves, we would have missed out on being used by the Lord in that situation. And we would have missed out on being blessed in return. Scripture says: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25 NIV) God loves to prosper generous people. When we bring refreshment to others through an act of kindness, He promises that we will be refreshed in return. Right before this verse in Proverbs is another verse that refers to our giving: “One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.” (Proverbs 11:24 NIV) A lot of people think that if they hold on to their money and material goods that they will increase, but the Bible says that just the opposite is true. My own father was the perfect example of this truth. He started out with literally nothing, but he kept giving to others, just the same. I watched as year after year, God blessed and increased him so that he ended up with a bounty of blessings that are blessing me and my siblings to this day.

Scripture says: “[Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.” (2 Corinthians 9:6 AMP) Maybe you don’t have a lot to share with others. Then, share what you do have. Be intentional about your giving, knowing that Jesus promises – “Give, and it will be given to you!” (Luke 6:38 NIV)

Prayer: Lord, remind me often that Your Word says, “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) Work in my heart so that I will always sow generously and reap generously. Guard me from the stinginess that will rob me of Your best blessings. Thank You that as I maintain a generous heart, You will use me to mightily bless others in Your name and for Your glory!