“I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” ACTS 20:33-35 (NLT)

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“If you want something, work for it.” That is some of the best financial advice I have ever heard. If there is something I need, or if there is something I do not have to possess but would really like to, the formula is the same. Work precedes earning which precedes savings which precedes spending. 

Notice Paul’s progression. He earned, saved, spent not only on his own needs but on the needs of others, and was able to give generously. Earn through honest and noble work. Give through tithes, offerings, and benevolence opportunities. Save for emergencies and contingencies. Make wise spending decisions. 

As Paul wrote in Phil. 4:10-20, he knew what it was like to live in need of other people’s generosity, and he knew what it was like to live with the ability to give generously. He agreed with Jesus. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” He cherished the opportunity to invest in the lives of others. 

What a privilege is ours to learn, to earn, to give, to save, and to build up others through generous living. Perhaps we are never more like God than when we give (John 3:16). May we who have been so abundantly blessed abundantly bless others. 

Whether you live on the receiving end or the giving end today, lean toward a recovery of generosity.

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I will live a generous life.

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Our Father, you are the giver of all good things. You provide the abilities we need to make things and to work wisely and well. You enrich us with the ability to earn salaries and benefits. You grant us the privilege of joining you in serving others through giving. You offer us ever-greater opportunities to build better lives and a better world through the blessing of generosity. Thank you giving us so much. Empower us to cultivate generous hearts and to inspire others along their own paths toward generous living. Amen.