The Richness of a Generous Heart

“Can We Become Poor by Giving”

Throughout our daily lives, we encounter countless people. Some pass by unnoticed, while others cross our paths at just the right moment. And in each encounter, God gives us an opportunity: the chance to give.

When we think of giving, our minds often jump to money or financial help. While that is certainly one form of giving, it is by no means the only way—or even the most powerful way. Giving can be as simple as offering a smile to someone who hasn’t seen kindness in a while. It can be the look of compassion in your eyes that silently says, “I see you. You matter.”

Giving can be the warmth of a hug or the strength of an embrace. It may look like, helping someone load their groceries into the car, or taking time to hold the door open when they are carrying too much. It could be buying a meal for a person who is less fortunate or quietly helping a co-worker complete a task they are struggling with.

Each of these acts may feel small to us, but to the person receiving them, they could mean everything. Often, what we consider a simple act of giving becomes the very thing God uses to lift someone out of discouragement, loneliness, or despair.

I remember one such moment in my own life. I was out running an errand one day before work when I met a man who was rushing, worried he would be late for a job interview. He was dressed as nicely as he could manage, but I couldn’t help noticing how worn his shoes were. As I gave him a ride to his interview, he shared that he had fallen on really hard times and desperately wanted this opportunity. My heart ached for him—I wanted him to walk into that interview with confidence.

When we pulled up, I asked him what size shoes he wore. To my amazement, it was the exact same size as mine. Without hesitation, I took off my brand-new shoes and handed them to him. That moment wasn’t about me—it was about God using what I had to meet a need right in front of me. I wanted him to walk into that building not just with shoes, but with hope.

The truth is, generosity is not measured by the size of the gift, but by the posture of the heart. To be “poor by giving” is not to run out of what we have—it is to live with such open hands that God can keep filling them, knowing we will keep pouring out.

Sometimes we fear giving because we think we will be left with less. But Jesus reminds us that the opposite is true. When we give, we are never poorer; we are always richer in spirit, richer in joy, and richer in love. Giving multiplies blessings—not just for the one who receives, but for the one who gives.

The Apostle Paul quoted Jesus in Acts 20:35:

“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 give than to receive.’”

The ways we can give are endless. Some will cost us time, some may cost us resources, and others may only cost us the willingness to notice someone else. But every gift, no matter the form, carries eternal weight when given in love.

So, I ask you today:

What are you going to give to someone on purpose?

How will you let God use you to be a blessing?

Will someone encounter His love through you today?

You never know how one act of giving could change someone’s life forever.

Love, Blessings & Shalom,

Michael

Scripture for Reflection

“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” — Proverbs 11:25“

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7“

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” Luke 6:38

Closing Prayer:

Lord, thank You for giving so freely to us. You gave us your Son and so many other things. Teach us to live with open hands and generous hearts. May our words, actions, and even our presence be a gift to those around us. Help us to give on purpose today—not out of obligation, but out of love. Use our giving to reflect Your heart and bring glory to Your name. Amen.