Open Hands

How do you recognize a generous person? A friend of mine here was recently describing a business contact of his who is wildly successful. He dropped out of school in 2nd or 3rd grade, but everything he does is successful. He's building a large addition to his house and has plans in the works for what to do after that project is finished. "What's the secret to his success?" I asked.

 "He's always giving to others," my friend said, and then he quoted an island proverb:

"The hand that gives is always on top"

Can you recognize a generous person? A generous person doesn't have a particular way of dressing, they don't carry a sign to advertise their generosity. They might tell others about their generosity, but some of the most generous people don't talk about it at all. In fact, if you aren't a person in need, you might never know of a person's generosity, because it's only apparent to those who receive from them.

Perhaps it's easier to spot a stingy person.

A stingy person gives the bare minimum, worried about surpassing the amount they are able to contribute.

A stingy person refuses to help those in need, or if they do agree to help, it's reluctantly and with an unhappy heart.

A stingy person communicates a concern for their own needs and concerns above those of others. They show a belief in the limited nature of their resources. 

And, interestingly enough, the Book has a lot to say about stingy people, greedy people, and those who take advantage of the poor.

A generous person, on the other hand, gives with a happy heart. Those who believe that their Father "owns the cattle on a thousand hills," are empowered to live with open hands, ready to give and to receive. Not unwise with their resources, but believing that giving is a blessed endeavor.

May we all live life with open hands, delighting in sharing with others the riches with which we've been blessed, trusting our Father to provide for us each day.