“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” PROV 11:25 NIV
When reading biographies of successful, productive and fulfilled people, a thread seems emerge. The thread is their generosity and graciousness… their concern for others.
One of my favorite interviews took place between the late Ron Mehl and HB London. During the interview Mehl shares of an exchange that took place with his mother. She was a Godly, loving woman. He said “Mom I want to be a blessing.” Her reply, “Then be bless-able.”
Giving is a heart and mindset. We should not give to be praised, liked, or worshipped. We don’t give to be loved, but rather we give out of our love… we give out of a grateful heart. If we give to be loved, then we could be enabling some destructive behavior in others. We are also satisfying something going on within us, something that needs attention.
So our motive should not to expect a return on our giving. And yet that’s precisely what we get, a return. If we give unhealthily, expect that type of return. If our giving is healthy, then we can expect that return. It’s true when the Bible tells us, “A man reaps what he sows” Gal 6:7b. And that is in every area of our lives.
So I think Mrs. Mehl’s advice to her son is priceless… “Be Bless-able”.
