And I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. Genesis 12:2 (ESV)

 

It was a television talk show episode like no other—every person in the studio audience went home with a new car!

The show host wanted to bless others out of her own rags to riches story, leaving people exhilarated at her overwhelming generosity![1]

It’s hard not to smile when someone goes overboard on generosity. Much of life can feel stingy and scarce. Maybe you never feel like you’re earning enough, or your close relationships have become more about what they can take than give. Suddenly, seeing someone so joyful and extravagant in their generosity is refreshing!

God is like this. He wants to share His joy with people, wants to share His love and blessing. He’s so overflowing with abundance that sharing is irresistibly joyful for Him. Even in times of hardship, there is the joy and kindness of God woven into your day that you’ll see, if you’ll cultivate the habit of noticing. Stop and start to count all the little and big blessings in your life.

God’s gifts come with a purpose; they’re always meant to be shared! God told His people in the first book of the Bible, “…I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing” (Genesis 12:2).

We are blessed so that we can bless those around us. You might not be able to give away cars, but you can share what you do have with joy, just like God– no matter how big or small your portion may seem. Our blessings from God are meant to overflow, touching others with God’s love, generosity, and power.

[1] Person. “Look Back at Oprah’s Free-Car Giveaway.” Oprah.Com, Oprah.com, 22 Dec. 2010, www.oprah.com/oprahshow/oprahs-entire-audience-are-surprised-with-new-cars-video.