The level of financial blessing God’s prepared to trust us with depends on three questions: 1) Are you mature enough to handle it? 2) Are you hoping to reap rewards but unwilling to sow into the kingdom first? 3) Are you a hoarder or a giver? God knows we can’t all give the same amount. Jesus honoured a widow for giving her last two coins, saying: ‘Others gave what they’ll never miss…she gave her all’ (Mark 12:44 MSG). On the other hand, businessman Barnabas ‘sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet’ (Acts 4:37 NIV). The more God blesses you with, the more He holds you accountable for. Jesus said, ‘When someone has been given much, much will be required in return’ (Luke 12:48 NLT). The truth is, we’re not all called to give equally but we’re all called to sacrifice equally. Ever visited a friend who doesn’t have a lot, but their hospitality is so amazing that they make you feel like royalty? That’s because they were willing to share whatever they had with you, even if it meant they had to give something up. In order to be really generous, we have to be prepared to sacrifice things. When God trusts us with financial blessings, it’s because we’re not controlled by a love of money - when God instructs us to give, we give willingly and generously. We don’t become greedy and hold tightly to what we’ve got. So let’s learn to be generous with whatever He’s entrusted us with, and be prepared to sow it back into His kingdom.

What now?

Have a think about where you could be more generous. Maybe you’re not able to be more generous with money right now, but could you be generous with your time to help out a friend or a good cause?