One thing the “faith preachers” get right is this—if we bless others, God will heap blessings on us.
Not because he has to, but because he has graciously promised to. It may not be in the way we expect; we might not always reap cash for cash. But we will definitely reap.
The God who promised we won’t lose our reward for giving a cup of cold water to a disciple won’t fail to bless us when we bless others, especially to the poor. Sooner or later, his blessings will overtake us like a tidal wave.
Here are a few reasons to give generously:
God promises you’ll be blessed for generosity to the needy.
Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor. (Proverbs 14:21)
God may bless you financially or he may simply fill you with joy. Hey, I’ll take joy any day of the week.
Light will break in your darkness.
Light dawns in the darkness for the upright; he is gracious, merciful and righteous. It is well with the man who deals generously and lends; who conducts his affairs with justice. (Psalm 112:4-5)
After crying out to God in prayer and seeking God in his word, the best thing to do when in a dark situation is to give to others. God promises it will be well with a generous person.
God will bless your children.
He is ever lending generously, and his children become a blessing. (Psalm 37:26)
Note this says our children “become” a blessing. It may not happen overnight. But in addition to continuing to pray for our children, give and keep giving, and pray for God to fulfill this promise.
God will protect, deliver and restore you.
Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble, the LORD delivers him; 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. The LORD sustains him on his sickbed; in his illness you restore him to full health. (Psalm 41:1-3)
God will be honored.
Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him. (Proverbs 14:31)
When we honor God, he honors us. He does this because generosity to those less fortunate reflects his gracious, generous character.
