by Sandy Kirby Quandt

Today’s post, Sowing and Reaping, is written by my writer-friend, Phyllis Farringer.

I read somewhere that for optimum emotional health we need 12 hugs a day. It makes sense, really. Studies of babies raised institutionally have shown that those who are held and cuddled thrive in comparison to those who merely have their physical needs met.

People who are involved in a good church may get 12 hugs in a matter of minutes on a typical Sunday morning. Perhaps that helps explain why people at church often appear happier than those we meet randomly everywhere else.

A hug benefits both giver and receiver. What a wonderful illustration God has given us concerning giving in general. Whatever we give away tends to come back to us. Those who give away hugs get hugged a lot. Those who give away anger and hostility generally encounter anger and hostility wherever they go. Those who are generous with their resources usually don’t live in want.

A friend of mine once observed that God measures His provision for us the way we measure brown sugar– pressed down and overflowing. There is nothing stingy about the way He pours out blessing. What would happen if we lived with brown sugar generosity about everything?

The Bible commends generosity. A poor widow, in obedience to God, shared what she thought was her last meal with Elijah the Prophet, then experienced supernatural abundance in the midst of a drought (1 Kings 17). Jesus took notice of another poor widow. He said her gift at the temple of two small coins was greater than that of all the others because she gave out of her poverty, and they gave out of their wealth (Luke 21:3,4).

God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). The amount is not as important as the willingness to share what we have (2 Corinthians 8:12). Whether our time, energy or material goods, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and whoever sows generously will also reap generously,” (2 Corinthians 9:6). When we give liberally, God liberally provides what we need (2 Corinthians 9:11). Everything we have comes from God. Giving is an expression of our faith that God will continue to provide for our needs.

Christmas is the season of giving. In the prevailing spirit of happiness and friendliness, people are kinder, even to strangers. Of course, celebrating the birth of Jesus is cause for joy, but Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus all year long. It could be the extra measure of joy and happiness evident this time of year is related to a focus on giving away good things.

Since generosity seems to produce joy, maybe a key to lifting our spirits is to give something away. It may be as simple as finding someone who needs a hug.

Phyllis Farringer delights in proclaiming God’s goodness. Her work has appeared in various periodicals including Decision Magazine, Focus on the Family publications, and Christianity Today Bible Studies. She has also written for several compilations including Cup of Comfort for Moms and God Allows U-Turns. She and her husband live in North Carolina. They have two married children and seven grandchildren.

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Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38 NIV

I wish you well.

Sandy

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This post was originally scheduled to appear November 25, 2018.