“Rejoice the soul of thy servant: for unto thee, O Lord, do I lift up my soul. For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.” (Psalm 86:4,5)
Many gracious streams branch out from the one river of generosity that flows in a good man’s heart. “A good man deals graciously and lends; He will guide his affairs with discretion.” (Psalm 112:5) For the generous man, charity is not an isolated event, it is a lifestyle. He labors not only to be blessed, but to be a blessing; he gladly spends more on others than himself; he not only gives of his money, but his time and energy. He is more inclined to understanding than to judgment. His giving is not narrowly focused on the deserving. He would be a reflection of His merciful and gracious God, and the grace he shows amazes those who receive it.
Graciousness cannot be taught. Generosity cannot be legislated. God loves a willing, cheerful giver – not one who gives because he has to; but because he wants to. God demonstrates His goodness and kindness as He liberally gives to all. His rain falls on the just and the unjust.
Every day is a gift from a generous God. He is moved by the plight of the needy. He loves to give good gifts to His children. He is ready to pardon. His mercies are new every morning and His compassion is unfailing. “The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” (Ps. 145:8,9)
Those who dwell in love, dwell in God. Those whose hearts and hands are constricted, don’t know Him. The secret to becoming an extravagant giver is to be an extravagant receiver. Those who receive such undeserving abundance from the hand of a gracious God are those who know how wonderful it is to be the recipient of grace. It is their delight to be God’s hand extended, and see the faces of those they bless light up with joy and gratitude.
May God form His very own heart in us, and make us a river whose streams brighten and refresh many a weary heart.
“There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.” (Psalm 46:4)