He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law . . . loves you and . . . is better to you than seven sons. (Ruth 4:15)
Jason was thrilled with how his home-based small business was growing. Finances had improved considerably after he decided to tithe on a regular basis. At first he wasn’t sure that giving away ten percent of his income was a wise choice; those initial startup costs required substantial investment. But Jason understood that all things belong to God and that every believer has a responsibility to give to God what is due him. Jason did not, however, expect God to bless him to the extent that he had. Each time he increased the amount of financial giving, business boomed.
One day Jason sensed that God wanted him to give substantially more than he ever had before—far beyond ten percent. Excited, Jason thought, “I can’t wait to see how God is going to bless my business after I start giving like this!”
But then a startling question came to Jason’s mind: “What if God doesn’t? What if my business remains the same? Will I still be obedient?” Humbled, Jason determined to give whatever God asked, regardless—not to be blessed, but to bless others.
Ruth, Naomi, and Boaz are all examples of what God can do when his people obey him from a heart of humility, compassion, and Christlike character. God is faithful to bless and provide for his people, but he also loves to bless others through his faithful servants.
Give not for personal gain but out of love for others.
Laura Hurd is an ordained minister, pastor’s wife, and mother of four. She has a deep love for rural America and is passionate about its potential for spiritual growth.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
