The wicked borrow and never repay, but the godly are generous givers.~Psalm 37:21 NLT
With selfishness slithering from his fingers, he approached his father and demanded his inheritance.
He was the younger of his father’s two sons. Disregarding the cultural norm, he demanded one-third of his father’s possessions. Since most wealth was measured in land and livestock, his father had to sell part of his ownings to answer his son’s demands.
Knowing what the son was probably up to but wanting to show him love, the father bowed to his son’s request. Reckless giving. Sure enough, the son took off to a far country. His friends were many as long as he showed them a good time, but when his money ran out, they did too. Taking a job at the bottom of the social totem pole was the best he could do, but after a short time, he’d had enough.
Living under his father’s roof seemed enticing. He worked up a repentance speech and headed for home. Thinking the best he could hope for was to work as his father’s servant, he imagined how he would beg his father to let him do that. But when his father saw him coming, he ran to him, hugged him, welcomed him home, and acted as if he’d never left. His selfishness was rewarded with a restored position.
According to the psalmist, the father was a perfect picture of a prodigal (generous) giver. The son was wicked. He took and never repaid, but the father gave (Psalm 37:21).
Giving can take many forms. It may be money, possessions, time, mentoring, teaching, or hands-on work. Different motives can also precede our giving. Some do it out of guilt, some out of compassion, some out of appreciation, and some because they desire recognition. The father did it out of agape (unconditional) love.
As a believer, we should give because God has given to us. The father in the story represents God. God gave His Son to pay for our sins, but He continually gives to us daily. He gives forgiveness, guidance, comfort, strength, love, and wisdom. God has no ulterior motives when He gives. Nor should we. Our giving, in whatever form it takes, should come from sheer appreciation of what God has given to us. When we give in faith, God promises to meet any needs we have.
Give generously—until it hurts. You’ll never be able to outgive God.
Martin Wiles lives in Greenwood, SC, and is the founder of Love Lines from God. He is a freelance editor, English teacher, pastor, and author. He serves as Managing Editor for both Christian Devotions and Vinewords.net and is an instructor for the Christian PEN (professional editor’s network). Wiles is a multi-published author. His most recent book, Hurt, Hope and Healing: 52 Devotions That Will Lead to Spiritual Health, is available on Amazon. He and his wife are parents of two and grandparents of seven. He can be contacted at [email protected].
Latest posts by Martin Wiles (see all)
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