Being merciful, forgiving (not judgmental), and generous characterize a real Christian, reflecting the qualities of the heavenly Father. Generosity is a virtue that not all possess. We prefer to withhold, to keep things for ourselves, to accumulate wealth, thinking that these give us security. But life teaches us that they do not bring real security. You may be rich, but one day you may find yourself gravely ill, and you wish you were poor but in good health.
On the other hand, some people are so generous with what they have. They do not think that giving is losing or becoming poorer. They realize that the more they give, the more blessings keep coming. God rewards generosity. God will not allow those who constantly give to run out of what they need, and God will give them more so that they can always be generous.
Have you been stingy with mercy, with forgiveness, with your material blessings? Will you take the risk to find out that God cannot be outdone in generosity?
Gospel • LUKE 6:36-38
Jesus said to his disciples: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.
“Stop judging and you will not be judged. Stop condemning and you will not be condemned. Forgive and you will be forgiven. Give and gifts will be given to you; a good measure, packed together, shaken down, and overflowing, will be poured into your lap. For the measure with which you measure will in return be measured out to you.”
SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2019,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.