I’m a slow giver. Or you might say I’m a thoughtful giver. I don’t quickly hand over cash, but first evaluate both the need and the receiver. While I give and even give cheerfully at times, I tend to measure carefully.

Which skates the edge on Biblical giving. Proverbs tells us: One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.

That’s the paradox of generosity in the Lord’s kingdom. The one who gives openly and without constraint gains wealth. The tight-fisted suffer.

Of course this applies to far more than money. As I give of my time, talents, labor and influence, I find myself refreshed. I gain energy, I add friends, I build emotional reserves. Proverbs adds: Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

Of course, no greater example exists than our amazing God, who lavishly pours out his grace upon all peoples of the world. Generous in love and forgiveness, the Lord doesn’t measure so carefully. Ask and ye shall receive.

My tendency is to hold back. But when I lean into the paradox of generosity, I enjoy the multiplied gain of God’s kingdom. My life overflows (through little effort of my own) due to the magic of living within God’s values.

Proverbs 11:24 & 25

Photo by Joanna Kosinska