Sunday September 25, 2016

A Gracious Giver

-ECCLESIASTES 11:1-6

Key Verse:

"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days" (Ecclesiastes 11:1).

God is rich in mercy to all. Though unworthy, He gives us liberally and upbraids not. As children of God, we also should be merciful as our heavenly Father is. Here is a pressing exhortation to works of charity towards the poor, as the best cure to the vanity which our worldly riches are subject to; and the only way to make them turn into substantial good account. Solomon impresses it upon us to do good to others and abound in liberality to the poor, with assurance that such would abound to our account someday. Though it is cast "upon the waters", and seems lost, likely never to be found, yet "thou shalt find it after many days", as the husbandman finds his seed again in a plentiful harvest and the merchant his venture in a rich return. It is not lost, but well laid out, and well laid up. It brings in full interest in God's providence, graces and comforts of His Spirit; and the principal is sure, laid up in heaven, for it is lent to the Lord. "Thou shalt find it [perhaps not quickly, but] after many days." The return may be slow, but it is sure and will be so much the more plentiful when it comes because "the liberal soul shall be made fat..." (Proverbs 11:25). So, take time to look around. Certainly, there are people around you in dire need of your love and touch of liberality. Discover them and cast your "bread" upon the "waters" of their lives. From today, make it a lifestyle to always show a little bit of love and sow some seeds of kindness.

Thought for the day: Givers never lack, only misers do.

Bible Reading in one Year:PROVERBS 27 - 29