Open-handedly

In this text, Paul encourages us to be generous in all our material and spiritual undertakings. In other words, live open-handedly as opposed to tight-fistedly.

The tight-fisted limit themselves to what they can hold at any given time. The open-handed person will have the free flow of the blessings of the Lord always, because, according to Scripture, what we give is what the Lord gives to us. Our 'more' is always the 'more' we receive from God. ‘Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for with the measure you give will be the measure you get back.’ (Luke 6. 38). We give and the more-ness of God flows through us. When we understand and practice the life commended by Jesus, we too will testify that: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (Acts 20.35)

Are you a hoarder or a giver? In God’s economy, givers are the winners. The good news is that we can all be givers and winners because the measure is not so much on what we have, but on why we have. Why do we have anything? Because of God. Why should we give anything? Because of our faith in God's never-ending generosity. Giving actually propels us into new realms of kingdom life and our understanding of stewardship.

Could you share your gifts with Christian Aid? What do you have to give? This doesn't need to be material. It could be your prayers, your activism, your voice, your time.

Why not look into volunteering opportunities, such as becoming a Christian Aid speaker?

God of abundance,
we pray in earnest
for the grace to give joyfully.
May we seek to lead by example
and provide opportunities
for our brothers and sisters to grow
in their understanding and practice
of the gift of giving
for the purposes of your kingdom.
Amen.

Adapted from a contribution by Rev Phyllis Thompson, the Education Director for the New Testament Church of God-Leadership Training Centre, at the time of writing.