This morning I was reading Proverbs 11:25:
"The liberal soul shall be made fat; he who waters will also be watered himself."
The above is basically a literal translation, while the NIV reading really obscures some of the richness of the text: "A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."
I encourage you to study the literal words more here. In this text, generosity is not just a few dollars here and there, it is giving liberally, abundantly. We're not restricting this to just money either, but including time, talents, resources, and your heart, your love.
Such a person shall be "made fat." Huh? The expression is figurative, pointing to being rich, being satisfied, having more than your fill. But again, not necessarily rich in lots of money--you could have more than your fill of joy, contentment, blessing, favor in the eyes of God and others.
Watering and being watered--the idea behind this is LOTS of water, to be saturated, drenched.
The person who gives freely, liberally, and abundantly of their resources will himself experience so much blessing from God they they will be completely satisfied in Him. But remember, we don't give in order to receive; we give, period. God gives to us, so we give back to Him and to others. Abundantly, sacrifically, wholeheartedly. Are you holding on to things too tightly, or wanting anything more than God right now? Let it go, and trust your heavenly Father. Let Him bless you, instead of trying to bless yourself, and ultimately being dissatisfied.
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