Generosity: The Generous Creator's Abundant World Sample

Conduits of God's Blessing

God’s actions consistently aim at blessing people with abundance and flourishing. But when people try to seize blessings for themselves, they bring a curse into the world. Instead of blessing, they experience scarcity and conflict. So God chose Abraham and promised to bless him so that he and his descendants would become conduits of God’s blessing for every family on Earth (Genesis 12:1-3).

Although Abraham’s descendants often chose curse rather than blessing, Jesus came as a different descendant of Abraham to restore God’s blessing to the world. Through his way of living and teaching, and also through his death and resurrection, Jesus consistently demonstrates care for others. It’s like he shatters the power of the curse so that God’s blessings can pour out to everyone.

We see an example of that in Acts 4:32-35 when Jesus’ followers engage in radical generosity. Instead of hoarding God’s blessing for themselves, they share with one another. And by caring for each other’s needs, they fulfill God’s aim for there to be none among his people suffering due to need because everyone has more than enough (see Deuteronomy 15:4).

Reflection:

Take a moment to reflect on and discuss the blessings that God has poured out on you.

How might God be inviting you to be a conduit of his blessing to others? In what ways could each blessing God has given you (including the most personal gifts) ultimately bless those around you?