A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25

As a child, I remember hearing it was better to give than receive and thinking the speaker must have it backwards. Surely it was always better to get a gift than to give one!

Fortunately, as an adult, I understand the adage. It feels good to give.

Proverbs tells us those who choose to be generous will actually prosper. They will be refreshed when they choose to refresh someone else. Not sure about you, but I could use some refreshment these days.

God’s instructions stand alone and don’t need human empirical evidence. But if you need another nudge to be a giver, there are a litany of studies that support generosity. Cleveland Clinic reports health benefits of giving include lower blood pressure, decreased stress levels, longer life, and improved mental health. It seems everyone is acutely aware of their health these days, so there is no better time to bolster it by being a cheerful giver.

Can you think of a time when you gave and enoyed the ‘helper’s high’ that came with it? Did you share a meal, assist with a chore, share a kind word or offer your services? Perhaps you made a monetary donation. Regardless, we are designed for giving and our bodies respond as such. It’s a double blessing when we choose to give of our time, talents and resources to help someone else. Others are blessed and we are refreshed. Win-win.

(If you’re struggling for ideas, contact your church. Several have organized response teams. In addition, organizations who are charged with caring for abused or neglected kids need our generosity more than ever. CASA organizations, food banks, community partners, blood banks and others need us to refresh them. In turn, we will be refreshed.)

Challenge- Make a written list of your gifts, talents and resources. How can you and your family serve at least one person or organization today? Once you find your answer, act out your service!

Lord, thank you for your generosity to us day in and day out. We are grateful for all the ways you bless us. Help us have clarity on exactly how we are to serve those around us with a cheerful heart. Give us the follow-through to make it happen on an ongoing basis.