May 11, 2023

Proverbs 11: 25 A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. (NIV)

There never was a person who did anything worth doing, who did not receive more than he gave.*

In an episode of Friends, Phoebe tries to perform a selfless deed for which she receives nothing in return. She discovers that no matter what she does, big or small, she benefits from it – even if it’s only the satisfaction of doing something good . . . thus proving what Solomon said centuries ago.

While a television show is hardly the best source of wisdom, Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived. The Apostle Paul, who was no fool himself, remembered the words of the Lord Jesus: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20: 35) No one is promising that generosity leads to wealth – although it could. But generosity with an ulterior motive is manipulation, not true generosity.

Wouldn’t it be fun to take the Phoebe challenge? Be generous and refreshing without expecting anything in return and see what happens. Can you give without receiving? Is it possible to encourage another without being encouraged in return? Can you out-give God?

If I want to get water I must give water. Though that seems a strange way of self-serving I pray you try it.*