The encouragement of generosity is sprinkled throughout the scriptures. (Jesus praised the widow for her generous giving, and Paul listed generosity as a fruit of the Spirit.) The writer of Proverbs tried his hand at the topic with these lines:

Some give freely, yet grow all the richer;
others withhold what is due, and only suffer want.
A generous person will be enriched,
and one who gives water will get water.

Proverbs 11:24-25

When we give freely, sometimes we are blessed by others returning the favor. (One who gives water will get water.) Sometimes the blessing we receive in giving is in satisfaction and joy that can’t be counted. (Some give freely, yet grow all the richer.)

The secret is in giving, and then knowing that God has a gift in store for the giver.

Prayer

Dear God, let me experience the joy of generosity as I freely give something to someone today. Amen.