Generosity That Multiplies

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” —Proverbs 11:25 (NIV)

It has taken me years to appreciate what it means for a generous person to prosper. Oh, I understood the content—that we are blessed in our giving—but I lacked belief in its validity. Though I had faith in Christ to save my sins, I struggled with relinquishing what was so freely given.

Growing up, I witnessed my parents tithing faithfully, and though we were never wealthy, we always had enough. God never failed to provide. Yet even with this proof, I doubted, revealing not only a lack of faith but a measure of selfishness.

Since those years of doubt, I have witnessed God in action. As Treasurer for the church, I would look at projected budgets with deficits that seemed impossible to cover. Yet God, doing what God does, never failed his faithful servants. 

In ministry with L Street Mission, serving Brockton’s homeless with no budget, God has consistently provided food, clothing, tents, and tarps through unexpected donations. Even in lean times, God has delivered.

When we present our gifts each Sunday, we ask God’s blessing on their use. These gifts are more than offerings to the church; they are returns of God’s gifts back to him. Their purpose is not only to sustain the church but to fund missional activities near and far. 

In refreshing ourselves through giving, we refresh others with necessities and with the hope found in Jesus Christ.

In refreshing ourselves through giving, we refresh others with necessities and with the hope found in Jesus Christ. As Jesus said: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.” (Luke 6:38)

On this Giving Tuesday, we are invited to extend that generosity beyond ourselves—to help those who help others. Consider supporting medical research that heals, shelters that protect, food pantries that nourish, and missions that bring light into dark places. In doing so, we join God’s work of refreshing the world.

Gracious God, source of all abundance, we thank you for the gifts you have poured into our lives. Open our hearts to give freely, that our generosity may refresh those who refresh others. Bless the hands that heal, the shelters that protect, the missions that serve, and the ministries that proclaim your love. May our offerings today and always be acceptable to you, and may they multiply hope in Jesus Christ, in whose name we pray. Amen.

Peace & Grace,

Pastor Tim