Read: 1 Timothy 6:17-18
“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” - Proverbs 11:25
I am stepping out in faith in writing this message during this highly charged political atmosphere in our country. I hope you will read my entire post, because this is not a political treatise, but a Biblical revelation that many people are not aware of.
Today we think of a liberal
as one that takes a hard left stand on political and social issues. Liberals
tend to be atheists, agnostics, socialists, communists, against war and big
spenders of our tax money; although some do not hold to any of these
philosophies at all, but still embrace many democrat ideals. Some liberals
dislike conservatives for various stances we uphold, especially those on the
hard right. Reciprocally, most conservatives disdain a liberal’s inclination to
vote for idealistic and immoral issues.
In the Bible, the word
liberal has a much different meaning than it does in today’s society. It has a
more positive connotation. It is a noble and generous title. The word relates
to someone who freely gives of everything he/she possesses. The liberal soul
lives in plenty because of their liberality (Proverbs 11:25). Devout,
God-fearing people are usually liberal in giving and in prayer (Acts
10:2).
Paul lists liberality with
other ministries such as encouragement, leadership and care giving. He exhorts
the Corinthians to excel in faith, to be ready to witness, and to exhibit
wisdom, zeal, love and liberal giving (2 Corinthians 8:7). Paul also reminds the Hebrews to do good works, to
share and to be liberal and kind, because God is pleased with such sacrifices (Hebrews
13:16).
Sometimes, it definitely is
a sacrifice to give. We have to do without something that we really, really
want in order to give to others. God does not intend for us to help those who
will not help themselves (2 Thessalonians 3:10). However, He is also not pleased with vile or selfish
people who are not liberal and do not give bountifully (Isaiah
32:5). God wants us to do good to all
men, especially to those in the household of faith (Galatians
6:10).
Paul charges believers to
liberally share the gospel of Christ (2 Corinthians 9:13) as well as to liberally distribute our material goods
(1 Timothy 6:17-18). Of course,
when a person gains the reputation as a liberal giver, many try to gain their
favor and befriend them for the gifts they may liberally receive (Proverbs
19:6). We must follow the leading of the
Holy Spirit as we give, however. We do not want to facilitate a person’s bad
spending habits, contribute to their use of the money for addictions or to
enable lazy people not to work.
Liberal thinking has several
good points in their philosophy, if we compare them to scripture. The Bible
speaks in favor of fair treatment for people and animals, independence for the
oppressed, freedom for the captives, care for the poor and needy, a healing
balm for the brokenhearted, protection for the earth’s resources, and a hearty
welcome for foreigners and strangers. The Bible sees the worth of all people of
every tradition, gender, and class rank. No one is belittled or subservient and
everyone is raised to walk in newness of life.
(Isaiah
10:1-2, Isaiah 58; Isaiah 61, Luke 4:17-21, Revelation 11:18, Jeremiah 51:25,
Proverbs 12:10, Ecclesiastes 3:18-21, Isaiah 56:3-8, Leviticus 19:33-34,
Revelation 7:9, Galatians 3:26-27; Romans 6:4)
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, whenever and
wherever we see a need, teach us to give liberally. Convict us to tithe; so
that You can bless us, and we can share even more with those who are having a
hard time. Thank you for the Christians that go all over the world to help
better the life of those less fortunate both spiritually and physically. Give
them resources and help them to win many with the Gospel of Christ.
Thought for the Day:
Whether your brand of
politics leans toward liberals or conservatives, God calls us all to be liberal
in our care and giving toward others. 