March 14 - Generosity = Compounding Joy

Philippians 4:14-20

If you haven’t ever read the entire book of Philippians, you are missing out!  It is one of my favorite books of the Bible, often called the book of Joy.

It is interesting that the author, Paul, spends so much time in this book talking about joy given the circumstances.  He is writing this letter to his friends, those he has mentored and brought up on the faith in the area of Philippi.  But Paul was writing to them while he was in prison for boldly preaching his faith.

In today’s reading from Philippians, Paul is expressing gratitude for the generous gifts he has received from the Philippians, which involves not only their financial support, but also their deep personal concern for his well being as well.

Paul says, “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.”   Or in other words, “I seek the profit that ACCRUES to your account.”  As grateful as Paul is for all the love and support these friends have bestowed upon him, he humbly reminds them of this great truth! 

When you invest in the lives of other people for the purpose of the Kingdom of God, the compound effect in your life will be EXPONENTIAL.  Giving in an attitude of heartfelt generosity does not lead to the depletion of assets, it leads to COMPOUNDING joy!

When we are afraid to give of our resources, we clutch tightly to the things we think will give us satisfaction, comfort, and joy.  We see the gifts of our time, money, our hearts and our very lives as limited, something we must grasp hold of tightly lest it slip out of our hands and be lost forever. We live in the fear of scarcity. 

Paul reminds us, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” 

Have you ever considered how rich God is?  What does His storehouse of riches look like?  The one who created all things, who rules overall, is all powerful, and all knowing.  He lives high about the Milky Way, and as close as in our hearts. 

We can NEVER deplete His abundant riches.  And His lavish love, the love that spared NO EXPENSE, but gave up His Only Son’s life for us, can be trusted. 

“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:23

We can NEVER out give the GREATEST GIVER of all.  

Thank You Lord God for Your indescribable gift!  Teach me to live my life with an open hand, trusting in Your abundant supply for me.  May I joyfully and generously spend my life in loving and serving those whom You love and died for, just like You did for me.