[Remember] the words of the Lord Jesus, . . . “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35 (NRSV))
The farmers’ market was loaded with vegetables at the height of the summer harvest. My wife and I moved through the crowd with our children, enjoying the sights and smells — and the samples! A farmer was standing in front of a truckload of sweet corn and advertising with an appeal to neighborliness: “Buy a dozen ears and get an extra dozen free if you agree to do a favor for a neighbor.”
I watched people pass by. No one seemed interested — no one took the farmer’s offer. I wondered if he actually would give us free corn for a verbal agreement. Perhaps that was the problem. Suppose there was a “catch.” We approached the farmer and bought a dozen ears of corn. He asked if I wanted another dozen free for agreeing to do a favor for a neighbor. I said we would be glad to and then left.
For the past 30 years, that interaction in the farmers’ market has played out in amazing ways. As I have given favors and generous quantities of garden vegetables to friends and neighbors alike, I have come to understand more deeply Paul’s words in today’s reading. That farmer inspired us to give freely, and in return we have not only gotten to know our neighbors but have also reaped the tremendous joy that comes from generosity.
TODAY'S PRAYER: Generous God, thank you for the privilege of sharing your abundant gifts with others. Though we cannot match your generosity, help us to develop a lifestyle of cheerful giving. Amen.
TODAY'S READING: 2 Corinthians 9:6 Here’s the point: he who plants sparingly also harvests sparingly. 7 Each should give according to what he has decided in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.[2 Corinthians 9:7 Proverbs 22:8 (Septuagint)] 8 Moreover, God has the power to provide you with every gracious gift in abundance, so that always in every way you will have all you need yourselves and be able to provide abundantly for every good cause — (Complete Jewish Bible).
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: For whom will I do a favor in God’s name today?
PRAYER FOCUS: Farmers
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