A generous man will himself be blessed, for he shares his food with the poor. Proverbs 22:9

My little brother, Freddie, was an industrious kid. Born with a speech impediment he was often laughed at by other kids. From the age of seven until he died at nine, he was always making money from either selling newspapers, doughnuts from a local bakery or collecting soda "cold drink" bottles. Sometimes he would simply ask strangers on the street for money. Freddie always had money because of the generosity of grownups. It was hard to refuse a kid.

Adults will drop dollars into a jar on the counter of the store if there’s a kid’s picture on it. It seems when it comes to kids generosity comes easy. When we see someone being nice to a kid our view of that person is favorable. God looks on those who are generous to orphans (kids), the poor and the widows with favor.

Why are people generous? Why do they sacrifice for others? Is it for future rewards? Is it a way to balance the scales?

Jesus tells us that true giving is that which is given out of sacrifice and not out of abundance. When we read that the generous man is blessed for sharing food with the poor we need to remember that man is giving sacrificially. In a time of famine or if living in poverty to feed someone is essentially sharing their bread of life.

Let us remember to be generous in those times we have little to share. God will bless!