Jesus answered, “The man with two tunics should share with him who has none, and the one who has food should do the same.” Luke 3:11

My friend Erica tells how her mom would read her stories about missionaries who lived truly courageous lives. One person gave their last dollar to someone in need and then had literally nothing left to eat themselves. That very day, someone came to their door to share some bananas. “I wondered if the missionary was being foolish,” Erica shared, “since they were now in desperate need. But the story ended with provision, not need.”

Jesus taught that those who are generous will be provided for. He said, “give, and it will be given to you.  A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:38).

Being a blessing to others opens you up to ways of being blessed that you might never have imagined. Generosity inspires generosity!  Many people are eager to support someone who is generous.  Erica shared, “I’ve found that the more people I invite over for dinner, the more people who offer to bring drinks or who help us when we are in need. The more often I cook for others when they are sick, the more texts I receive asking me if I need help with childcare.”

Extreme generosity may sound foolish, but it is obedience to Jesus and a hidden source of life. Take the test:  try giving whenever, wherever, and whatever you can. You may find yourself with a surplus of bananas.

 

Resource reading: 2 Kings 4:1-37