Proverbs 11:23-25 NIV
“The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath. 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.”
“Love” is the impressive sign of Christian churches and followers of Jesus Christ. These are the faith community, the love community, because God is love. These faith community are to extend God’s love to this world continually. Love is: “It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” (1 Corinthians 13:5-6 NIV) Proverbs chapter 11 describes the contrast between wicked and kind, good and evil. People tend to be self-seeking, only concern about themselves, they do not want to share what they have easily, they are not willing to give freely, they do not want to let’s go of anything. The Proverbs says these as “but comes to property”, poverty in friendship, poverty in mind, soul and spirit. These people never satisfy. They have the selfish mentality, how can they be contented. Contrary, those who are willing to share, willing to give, it may seems that they loose something; in return, they gain even more, they prosper. It is such a blessing when we consider others first, we will prosper and we will be refreshed.
We should not consider to much on ourselves, do not become stingy. We receive the provision from God with thankful heart. To give freely with love, to help others are rewarding practice. Do not just stay as receivers. We should not demand helps from other nor demand people to care for you. With our limited resources, we learn to let go, we learn to help, we learn to care, we learn to give. With these practice, we will live with joy and peace. “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”