“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” -Proverbs 11:24-25

Think about the time when you’ve felt alive. When was that? Sometimes you feel most alive when you’re having fun or at a party, but I think the time when people feel most alive is when they’re the most generous. Not just with money. Think about a time when you did something heroic. Maybe you’re that type of person that runs into burning buildings and rescues cats. But maybe it was something simple like you stood up for somebody, or you encouraged someone. Perhaps you gave some of your wealth or some of your time to someone who was in need. We feel most alive when we live the life of “the open hand.” This is a life of generosity: about giving to others. Giving your knowledge, giving your time, giving what you have to make people’s lives better. That’s why poverty is so hard. If you’ve ever been poor or if you are poor, you feel like you have nothing to give. But no matter how poor you are or how sick you are, you’ve got something good to give this world. And the world needs you! People need you. Without you, this world gets a lot darker, and I’m happy that you’re doing what you do.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, please help me to be more generous. I may often think I’m running low: On funds, time, and energy. But stir in me a desire to give. You will provide.

REFLECTION: Have you felt alive while giving generously in the past? How did you give? In what ways can you give in the upcoming holiday season?