SATURDAY 8TH JULY 2017

TOPIC: THE INDEX OF YOUR GENEROSITY
TEXT: Matthew 9:36 “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd….”

In spite of diverse challenges such as socio- economic, geological, emotional, ecological security, medical, physical and especially monetary in terms of prosperity has little to do with generosity according to the Word of God. A popular saying with mankind is; ‘If I have a lot of money I’ll be generous’. Honestly, Jesus said, ‘Where your treasure is [invested], there your heart will be also’ (Matthew 6:21). A profound encounter of Jesus with the widow proved this truth. ‘Prosperity isn’t in what you’ve attained, but rather in what you give away’. That was the case of the widow who gave her mite. The percentage given away was more than what she retained. The truth is, if you want to become a more generous person you can’t wait for your income to increase; rather you must permit God to change your heart. In other words, one is looking for a reason to give every day, and finding a compelling cause perhaps to give.
The Bible says of Jesus attitude, ‘When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless’ .Definitely, from God’s perspective the recipients of our generosity aren’t really churches, causes, or institutions – They’re people – people loved and valued by God; people for whom Christ died. So what are you doing for others? How you answer this question is the measure of your generosity! The Book of Ist Jn 3:17 enjoins us not to shut up our bowels of compassion- it is key. Jesus was so moved with compassion all the time on earth. Truly a generous soul shall be made fat-rich (Prov 11:24).

MEDITATION: 1 Pet 3:8

BIBLE STUDY
Josh 9, Ps. 142-143, Jer. 4, Matt. 18