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“Give freely and become more wealthy;

    be stingy and lose everything.

The generous will prosper;

    those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

People curse those who hoard their grain,

    but they bless the one who sells in time of need.

If you search for good, you will find favor;

    but if you search for evil, it will find you!

Trust in your money, and down you go!

    But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.”— Proverbs 11:24-28 NLT  

Most of us have seen the old movie “It’s A Wonderful Life.” It’s a story about George Bailey, whose savings and loan business lends out money at low interest so that low-income people can buy a home. But then something goes wrong: one day, George’s uncle loses track of a bundle of money on the way to the bank, which puts George in danger of going bankrupt. In the end, though, George is rescued by the townspeople, who give him all the cash he needs because he always treats them with goodwill.

This movie doesn’t match our culture today, does it? In this world, economics is often about quickly making the most significant profit at the expense of others. It’s based mainly on greed and a “me first” attitude. Though it is sometimes called “the pursuit of happiness,” it will never satisfy our deepest needs and longings.

Christ taught us a different version of economics. He taught that his disciples would be known for their generosity, love, and goodwill toward each other. Generous people live a life of forgiveness and amazing grace that turns the vicious cycle of greed on its head. Let us remind each other that we are to give freely.

Journeying Together,

John

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