As the Scriptures say: “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever” 2 Corinthians 9: 9 (New Living Translation, NLT).
Today, what generosity implies is misrepresented. Many times we have heard or talk about “give to receive”. But what does the word of God really say about this issue of generosity?
God in his immense love has given us life, health, and blessings (The term blessing comes from a Latin word that refers to the action and effect of blessing. This verb, on the other hand, is a way of naming the action of praising, praise or magnify, consecrate something to the divine worship or invoke the divine blessing in favor of something or someone). When we give is because God has given us first. When we evaluate the word of God in 2 Corinthians 9: 6-8 it reminds us of the following:
A farmer who sows only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who 
sows abundantly will obtain an abundant harvest. Each one must decide in their heart how much to give; and do not give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully”. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and there will be plenty of spare to share with others.
Therefore, friend, we cannot overcome God but we can be generous with others. In Luke 6:38 it says:
Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.
So, we must be careful not to fall into the “give to receive” trap. Not everything is monetary. Your actions and invoking God’s blessing on other people have an extraordinary effect on the lives of these people. As was the case with Peter and John in Acts 3: 1-10:
Besides the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, was a man lame from birth, who was left there every day so he could beg for money from the people going into the Temple. When he saw that Peter and John were about to enter the temple, he asked them for some money. Peter and with John looked at him intently, and Peter said: “Look at us!”
The lame man looked at them anxiously, hoping to receive some money, but Pedro said to him: “I do not have any silver or gold for you. But I will give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazarene, get up and walk!”
Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And, while doing so, instantly the feet and ankles of the man were healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood up and began to walk!
Therefore, this biblical passage teaches us that generosity should not always be confused with money. We must give of what God has given us, whether is prayer, talents, encouragement and motivation, helping to clean the sick or elderly home, and so many other voluntary tasks that you can do in your Church or community. Remember we must give, not because someone tells you to do it but because God has given us generously.
Reference: Definition of blessing. Retrieved from https://significadoconcepto.com/bendicion/.
Prayer: Open your heart
Lord Jesus, I ask you today to forgive me if I have offended or failed you. Today I am in front of your presence giving you thanks for the blessings that you, Jesus, have given me. Thank you because for your grace, for your love and mercy you have sustained me. Allow my spiritual eyes to see beyond what my physical eyes see to be able to extend to others of the blessings you have given me. Amen.
A Friendly Advice
Dear friend, there are many people who have no scruples and begin to deceive people with words and promises that do not benefit them in the long run. In our days, it has given a wrong message regarding “give and receive”. Therefore, God has called us to be wise and of good understanding. The word of God says the following:
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking James 1: 5
Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Psalm 111: 10
Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. Proverbs 4: 7
Ask me and I will tell you remarkable secrets you do not know about things to come. Jeremiah 33: 3
Therefore my dear friend, we must always be attentive to the needs of the people around us. So today, we ask God for wisdom and good judgement to see beyond what our physical eyes cannot see. God is looking for people with a generous heart on whom he can pour blessings into the lives of others, and who, at the same time, will give to others. Remember that we bless others because God has blessed us first and because his love and grace have always covered our life and our home (family).