Stewardship 8 – generosity

The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on God’s and faithful provision to us and our generosity to the poor.

Scripture

Psalms 41:1-3

1  Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the LORD delivers him; 2  the LORD protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies. 3  The LORD sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health.

1 Timothy 6:17-19

17  As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.  18  They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,  19  thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Observations and reflections

Note: Today we consider two short passages regarding the stewardship of our possessions in terms of generosity the poor.

1. Reflect on Psalm 41:1-3.
   1. Summarize the three verses in one short phrase.
   2. List the seven blessings for “the one who considers the poor” – but state it in your own (contemporary) words.
   3. Are these blessings/ benefits of considering the poor in this life, or the life to come?
   4. What do we learn about God and our money in this Text?
2. Reflect on 1 Timothy 6:17-19.
   1. Briefly summarize these three verses in your own words.
   2. In a table –format, what does this Text teach about what those with money should do / not do with their possessions.
   3. Is the benefits for generous sharing of possessions in this life, or the life to come?
   4. How is God portrayed in this Text?
   5. What does this Text reveal about God’s motive and measure in providing for us?
   6. What do you learn about stewardship in this text? [hint: consider temporal and eternal rewards]

Application

1. Who is the most generous person you know? Think about that person and see of you can recognize God’s blessings for kindness to the poor in his/ her life.
2. How do you think and feel about the power the sharing of your earthly money can have in this life as well as the life to come?
3. How do you feel about the fact that God watches what you do with your money?
4. Do you think God sees you as someone who “considers the poor” or one who is “rich in good works” and “generous”? Why?  Why not?
5. What can you “generously share” with a poor person today, that would count as a “good work”? [please be wise! don’t just give to an addict in a way that will further him in his bondage – there are MANY good organizations that have a good track record].

Prayer

Thank God for his generosity and goodness to you.  Pray to God for grace and compassion and wisdom to generously share.  Do you have a stingy heart?  Confess it as sin and ask the Lord for a generous heart.