Greedy vs. Generous

I’ve met people who are outright greedy. These people will step on their own grand parents, their parents or even their children to get what they want – when they want it.  Greedy people are blinded by their desire for more. There are times that I’ve been greedy. I want what I want, when I want it.  The opposite of greed is generosity. I’ve known people who are incredibly generous. They hear about a need and they pull out their checkbook or dig in their wallet for cash to bless another person. In fact, during my son’s illness around Christmas of last year and early this year, my family was the recipient of generosity. I still can’t wrap my head around the outpouring of the generous people who blessed my family.

King Solomon speaks about greed and selfishness and the demise of such behavior and thinking. Check this out…

22 Selfish people are in a hurry to get rich

       and do not realize they soon will be poor.

25 A greedy person causes trouble,

       but the one who trusts the Lord will succeed.

 26 Those who trust in themselves are foolish,

       but those who live wisely will be kept safe.

 27 Whoever gives to the poor will have everything he needs,

       but the one who ignores the poor will receive many curses. (Proverbs 28:22,25-27 NCV)

When I think of generosity, I also think of GRACE. Those who are generous are full of grace and display grace to others. Generous people are quick to serve and know what it’s like to be the recipient of others generosity.

I was so moved by the generosity of others, that I am determined to make room in my finances to have money to bless others in need. I don’t have unlimited amounts but it’s relative to what I do have. The lady who poured expensive perfume on the head of Jesus gave what she had and blessed Him. I can certainly give to others in His Name and also bless Him.  When we are generous, we are like God – He gives and forgives! Greed is not present in His nature!

Pressing On!

Dwayne