The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 NLT
What does it mean to be truly generous? “Being truly generous means giving of yourself – your time, attention, resources, or care – freely and without the expectation of reward, recognition, or control. It is not just about writing a check or parting with surplus money; it is a fundamental orientation of character and empathy.” – Dr. Kevin Majeres, The Generous Mind
Prevailing culture throughout time has often persuaded us that to have more, we must hold on tighter. “Protect your time, guard your energy, and gather all the resources you can.” But God’s kingdom operates completely differently. It is a way of life where giving is the key to receiving.
The truth of this verse is something Dorcas (Acts 9) understood. She was so thoroughly generous that she didn’t see giving as unusual. It was her way of life following Jesus. Generosity with all she had gave her joy, a deep, soul-level vitality. The word "refresh" evokes the image of pouring water on a parched plant. Proverbs 11:25 teaches that when you become the willing bringer of God's refreshment to someone else, you get drenched first.
When we live with open hands and hearts, actively using all we have and are for the benefit of others, the refreshment we receive is immediate. Generosity breaks the grip of scarcity thinking. When we live generously, we are trusting God, not our bank accounts, schedules, ideas, and energy. We have freedom from fear. We get drenched with unexpected joy. You know how that is. We experience a spiritual high when we give like Jesus, of course, but it goes beyond the moment and affects us spiritually. God has made us in such a way that scientific evidence shows that an act of generosity impacts us neurologically. Generosity triggers a distinct cascade of responses in the brain, releasing feel-good chemicals, and dampening stress centers. It shifts our focus off our own anxieties and anchors us in God’s purpose and plan. Doing good and living generously also builds a community for meeting our own needs. Refreshing others builds a bridge of connection, and those very relationships become the ones that refresh us when we are dry and empty.
Dorcas’s life was rich in refreshing payback! Can you imagine it? When she died, people couldn’t imagine life without her. God heard their desires and prayers, and He brought her back to life. Wonderful things are brought to life in us through generosity!
- Who seems dry or weary right now, and what is one small, practical way you can "pour refreshment” on them today? Send a text. Pay for the person behind you. Give your undivided attention to someone hurting. Pray for and with someone. Help with an overwhelming job. Assist with a financial situation. Refresh.