Introductory Thoughts
The word liberal is one of the most overused and misused words in modern language. We often use the word to refer to those who have weaker morals or those who may have a particular “left-leaning” political agenda. Most often the word is used as a negative connotation by those who are traditional or more conservative. The Bible paints a much different picture of the word’s usage and application. Someone who is liberal willingly and graciously helps others. When others are in need, he gives above and beyond to meet that need. According to our passage, “The liberal soul shall be made fat.” This means that the person who helps others will often receive blessings in return. This truth is confirmed in 2 Corinthians 9:6 where the Bible says, “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): The Lord will not allow our willingness to help others go unrecognized. Read Proverbs 19:17; Proverbs 22:9; Proverbs 28:27 and Psalm 41:1.
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(For everyone): Are you liberal in your giving toward the needs of others? Has the Lord richly blessed you because of your willing heart to help others?
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Do you find joy in helping those in need? Do you help others merely to receive a reward or because you love the Lord and want to obey His word?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to give you a liberality in your giving.
- Ask God to give you a heart of concern for those in need.
Song
Give of Your Best To The Master
