Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 24:19-22
Don’t forget to do good and to share what you have with those in need, for such sacrifices are very pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16
SOME OF GOD’S commands are more familiar than others. For example, everyone would be able to complete the famous fifth commandment, “Honor your father and mother.” And just about anyone could recite, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” right? But others may not be so familiar. Look at the list below, and see if you can change the wrong words in each of the verses so that they read correctly. (The references are given in case you need help; all references are from the NIV.)
• In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to smile than to frown” (Acts 20:35).
• Share with God’s people who are in Nebraska (Romans 12:13).
• Therefore, as seen on TV, let us do good to all people (Galatians 6:10).
• Command them to do good, to be rich in milk chocolate, and to be generous and willing to share (1 Timothy 6:18).
• And do not forget to do good and to eat your vegetables, for with such sacrifices God is pleased (Hebrews 13:16).
• If anyone has large eyebrows and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? (1 John 3:17).
Of course, by now, you’ve probably realized that all those Bible verses are commands to be generous, right? To be honest, that was the point of the whole exercise—a way of reminding ourselves that God commands generosity.
A lot of people think that generosity is something nice but not necessary. But God’s Word says otherwise. He makes it clear, throughout his Word, that generosity is right and stinginess, or greediness, is wrong. That’s why he so often says things like, “Share with God’s people who are in need” (Romans 12:13, NIV) and “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35, NIV).
To put it simply, if you aren’t generous, you’re disobeying God, because he commands generosity.
REFLECT: Do you make a habit of being generous? Do you share with others? Are you generous with others in your family? Do you give to people who are in need? Can you name anyone you’ve been generous to in recent days? Can you think of new ways to be generous to others in the next few days and weeks?
PRAY: “Father, please help me not to forget to do good and to share what I have with those in need.”
