As a child I have always thought about the funnel as a magical kitchen tool. To my young mind, I cannot believe that everything that you pour into that instrument, will flow freely into another vessel, without wasting anything!
Decades later, I realized that receiving blessings from the Lord is much like being a funnel getting filled with graces, and passing it alongside others without wasting any of it. “Blessed to bless,” as they say. And whether it is material things, wisdom, comfort, or encouragement, we must all be ready to share it to others so that we can please the One who thought of pouring His graces upon us. “
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
And while some will argue that not everyone can give money, or help out materially, we can say that whatever strength God has blessed us with, we can pass it on to others as a form of generosity. For instance, if we are blessed with good health, then we can be strong enough to help out and serve other people. When we are blessed with a long life, we can give time to others even just by being with them, listening to them. If we are blessed with wisdom, we can share it with others either personally, or even through writing or posting over social media.
“He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:10-11
And whenever we share our blessing to others, we must make sure we do it with a happy heart. St. Paul the Apostle says, we ought to give to others happily so that we can please the Lord and glorify Him through our sacrifices.
“Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Hebrews 13:16
We should always remember that we are not judged by the amount that we give, but with how much we leave to ourselves. This is the exact lesson taught to us by Jesus Himself as He lauded the generosity of a poor widow who gave to the church in spite of her poverty.
“So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had.” Luke 21:3-4
So whenever we receive a blessing, let us make a practice of asking ourselves whom we can share it with. Because as we share it with others, we get to thank and glorify the great and generous Heavenly Father who longs to bless us with a meaningful life filled with purpose, love, joy, and hope.
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 and Luke 21:1-4 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: How are you in the area of generosity? Do you happil;y share your time, talent, and treasure with others?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for being a generous Father to all of us. For the many times we thought twice about sharing to others, please forgive us. Grant us a generous heart, willing to share both tangible and intangible blessings you pour out on us. Amen.