I was going to skip Five Minute Friday this week because I am exhausted, but then I read a few of your offerings on the word “generous” and decided I needed to lend my voice to the discussion.
I think one of the best examples of generosity in the scriptures is found in Luke 21:1-4.
As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in two very small copper coins. “Truly I tell you,” he said, “this poor widow has put in more than all the others. All these people gave their gifts out of their wealth; but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.”
Can you honestly say that you could EVER be that generous? Could you give away all of your financial resources, knowing that you would have to depend 100% on God to provide food, clothing, and shelter for the foreseeable future?
A few years ago, our family was in a very tough spot and the outpouring of generosity in those years was, in a word, AMAZING! Our utilities remained on, we never lost our home, and strangers paid for our children to go to camp. We didn’t even have a car at the time but there was always someone willing to give us a ride or loan us a vehicle. I have lost count of the number of times that we came home to groceries on the porch or cash in the mailbox. We survived that tumultuous time only by the grace of God and the generosity of others.
Looking back, I am sure that this experience formed the foundation of my “encouragement ministry”.
My Life in Our Father's World 
Barb, I knew by the way you write that you’ve survived a few storms—with God’s help. I love how you give Him the credit! More power (God’s kind of power) to you, sister.
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I appreaciate your aknowledgement.
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I remember you writing about those experiences before.Those times are like the coal mines back in Scranton. They were deep, dark and dirty but back in the hay day of the Anthracite business they made Scranton one of the wealthiest cities in America! Those trials are a spiritual gold mine…but in the middle of them we never see how precious they are.
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Definitely
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What a beautiful memory to see how God showed off his generosity to you through others. That’s amazing.
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It truly was
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So touching Barb. I’m blessed to have read this as you touched me so.
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🫂💜🙏
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Hearing how God moves in the lives of others fills my heart with such joy. joy 😊 Every time that God blesses others is an opportunity for us to be blessed by their testimony.
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Barb, your hardships and the generosity of others has obviously taught you much. And that’s how it should be. Nothing is wasted in God’s economy. Thanks for sharing. Kath, your FMF neighbour at #28 this week.
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God’s help to us using others is a blessing too often we fail to see or even properly acknowledge. Thank you for acknowledging it! FMF21
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The widow’s example is challenging! And I love your story of experiencing generosity when you needed it.
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That season strengthened us as individuals and as a family.
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I’m glad that people came through for you when you needed them – and we do know it’s the grace of God that provides through people. Hugs!
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💗
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Sorry I am late. Rough week and words come not easily.
So go ahead and open
that well-locked skinflint purse.
Give till you feel broken,
give until it hurts
without the hope or expectation
that what goes around
comes around; that’s not your station,
and like other folk you will have found
that your generosity
(which languished on a shelf)
suddenly has come to be
end in and of itself,
and you’ll get a warm fuzzy glow
from helping whom you do not know.
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I love your poetic replies. I hope your week has gotten better.
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