With the Measure You Use

Today we covered lots of old ground in our sessions and the section on "Generosity" was definitely old ground - or at least it should have been - but it moved me in a new way. Which all goes to show, its sometimes worth recovering old ground!

The textbook notes were brief:

One expecially relevant principle to study is that of generosity. Generosity is a key indicator of our trust in God. Generosity is an expression of faith that is uniquely blessed by God.

• Luke 6:38 "For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
• Proverbs 11:25 "... he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."
• Proverbs 22:9 "A generous man will himself be blessed..."
• Proverbs 19:17 "He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and He will reward him..."
• Malachi 3:8-12 "Test me in this... and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven..."

CONCLUSION:

Philippians 4:12 - We are to be content.

Philippians 4:17 - Our focus should not be on getting support as much as giving partners an opportunity for blessing.

Philippians 4:19 - Ultimately God is our Source - not our methods, not our partners, not our own hands.

Luke 6:38 We should be generous.

I'm still thinking about the questions, especially that last one: What are attitudes and actions that need changing if any? It's old ground and I do aim at generosity... but I wonder how often I hit it?! I think I need to start using a larger measure.