the seed of the open hand

Prov. 11:24-25

24 There is one who scatters, and yet increases all the more,
And there is one who withholds what is justly due, and yet it results only in want.
25 The generous man will be prosperous, And he who waters will himself be watered.

When you have the right attitude about how you sow, you position yourself to receive the increase that God has promised. A positive and faithful mindset, grounded in trust and gratitude, allows you to embrace the principle of sowing and reaping. By approaching your actions—whether they are financial, emotional, or spiritual—with the intention of blessing others and serving God, you align yourself with His will. This alignment opens the door to abundant blessings, as you cultivate a heart that values generosity and stewardship over mere personal gain. Ultimately, it is this attitude of selflessness and faith that qualifies you to experience the fullness of God’s promises in your life. But how does this work?

A part of the answer is found in 2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Identically, it's not what you give, but how you give that truly matters; a closed hand signifies not just physical restraint, but an emotional barrier that hinders connection. When we offer our time, resources, or support with an open hand, we convey generosity and compassion, fostering trust and understanding in our relationships. The intent behind our actions shapes the impact they have on others not only for the moment, but generationally. In choosing to be open, we create space for vulnerability and authenticity, allowing genuine connections to flourish. It's the spirit of generosity—present in the act of giving, seen through the warmth of an open palm—that enriches both the giver and the receiver, making the exchange meaningful and transformative. And again, some of us may be saying, “ So what’s the other part of the answer to sowing?” Time!

In other words, our abundance and knowledge can be increased, but we can’t grow until God’s grace is poured upon us and this takes time. Time to carry the increase and realize the potential is a process. Experiencing God's abundance often unfolds through a journey that requires patience and understanding of the process involved. This increase is not just a sudden outpouring of blessings; it is a gradual unfolding of potential that takes time to cultivate. As we navigate through this process, we must recognize that growth, both spiritually and in our circumstances, often comes in stages. By embracing the lessons learned along the way and acknowledging the significance of each step, we can effectively carry the increase that God provides, allowing us to flourish in His intended purpose for our lives.

Increasing our abundance and knowledge is certainly achievable through diligent effort and learning; however, true growth is a divine process that requires God's grace to flourish. Without this grace, our attempts often fall short, as it is through His spirit that we gain deeper understanding and the capacity to appreciate the blessings around us. As we seek to expand our horizons, we must remember to invite His grace into our lives, allowing it to transform our intentions and actions into something greater than ourselves, fostering a foundation for holistic growth. When we operate within our given potential and process, in time we will have an opportunity to truly bless others.

Prayerful Thought….

10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; 2 Corinthians 9:10

And Remember…….

“When God blesses you, don’t raise your standard of living, raise your standard of giving.”

“May the peace and grace of the Lord always be with you” - Dr Lee