Feeling Generous?

2 Corinthians 9:6- Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

I used to pass him everyday on my way to work.  He stood at the corner of one of the busiest intersections in the city.  He always held a sign about a desire to work for food.  On my best days, I would give him a few dollars.  Every other day, I would just drive on by pretending not to notice him.  I always felt a twinge of guilt.

Steve was a successful chef in that same city.  He was known for his innovative cuisine and in-demand restaurant. Steve passed through that same intersection each day.  Occasionally, he would bring the man food.  But over time, Steve had other ideas.  He wanted to make a real difference in not only this man's life, but also in the lives of those like this man. So Steve took the dramatic step of leaving his restaurant to open a non-profit cafe that catered to the homeless.  He also used this cafe to introduce Jesus to those who did not know Him.  While I was busy feeling guilty over someone's suffering, Steve wanted to utilize his own gifts to help change someone's life.  Steve understood that investing in people is the best kind of investment.  It can change the lives of those we help, but also our own in the process.

Steve decided to change his own life significantly in order to best help those who needed it.  He understood the concept in 2 Corinthians 9:6 about sowing and reaping.  Steve sowed heavily in the lives of others and he reaped many rewards.

Steve's cafe attracted the homeless in the city but also those in more fortunate situations.  On any given weekday, you could find professionals dining in the presence of those who struggled with the basics of life.  They were all drawn to Steve's food but even more so to his heart.

His generosity was returned in spades. 

Questions:

1.  What is your typical approach to those who are in need?  How do you show generosity?

2. What are the effects of your generosity?  How do you experience the benefit in your own life?