Our Lord said, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you” (Luke 6:48). These words are easy enough to understand, but do we trust them?

Our Lord is the great example of sacrificial love. He gave that we might gain. “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for you sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).

Is your heart a generous one? Do you give beyond what you are able to the work of our Lord (the early church did–2 Corinthian 8)? Do you give beyond what is expected to those in need (the Good Samaritan did–Luke 10:25-37). Do you pay those who work for you well? It is important to God as well–James 5:1-6.

Instead of making excuses, lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Never let yourself think the following thoughts of greed: “Its not my problem”; “That isn’t my concern”; “Let someone else take care of them”; “I never had any help, so why should I help them”; or “I have problems too”. These things only display our selfishness and a heart which has not been truly molded into the image of Christ. When people were hungry, Jesus said “you give them something to eat” (Matthew 14:16).

Practice the Golden Rule and trust God for the return on your investments in others. Would you have wanted help? Then help others. Would you want a raise? Then help someone else to advance. Would you want relief in a time of trouble? Then help someone who is suffering. What good could you do for someone today? What good could you do with this year’s raise? What good you could you do with a bonus?

“One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”
(Proverbs 11:24-25).
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to The Lord, and he will repay him for his deed”
(Proverbs 19:17).
“They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 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”
(1 Timothy 6:18-19).