PROVERBS 11:24-25 (NIV) - “One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”

What is this seeming contradiction? How does one gain by giving or lose by not giving? Read this again! Now realize that this saying speaks of generosity and its consequences. Give freely and the inevitable result is prosperity. A contemporary translation of this Scripture says “The world of the generous gets larger and larger…” (The Message)

Still, one wonders--how do we prosper from our generosity? Ebenezer Scrooge, the miserly character in Dickens’s A Christmas Carol, found a profound answer. Following his eventual acts of generosity, he experienced complete change. He became caring, joyful, outgoing, happy, and connected to others.

A massive act of generosity on the part of the United States, known as the Marshall Plan, was conceived by one man, Secretary of State George C. Marshall. This plan of recovery aid from the U.S. to the devastated countries of Europe after World War II cost $13 billion over a four year period. Marshall’s original vision of assistance was addressed to hunger, poverty and desperation. The results of the Marshall Plan were much more--restoration of hope to peoples, revitalized economies, the cooperation of former enemies.

What is an act of generosity in 2008 in our part of the world? Do you see a need? Volunteer to serve that need; make a special gift to serve that need. And be prepared for the consequences-you will “gain even more”.

Prayer: God, I want to be connected, to see a need, to extend my world.

Submitted by: Doug Young