Together in Christ: 'God Promises Protection, Prosperity, and Life to the Gracious and Generous' — Psalm 41:1

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

"Oh, the joys of those who
     are kind to the poor!
     The Lord rescues them
     when they are in trouble.
The Lord protects them
     and keeps them alive.
He gives them prosperity
     in the land
     and rescues them
     from their enemies.
The Lord nurses them
     when they are sick
     and restores them to health."

— Psalm 41:1 NLT

Key Thought

WOW! What a powerful promise and principle. God wants us to be generous! [1] More than that, God wants us to be conduits of His blessings, so His blessings pass through us to others in need. [2] The words of Psalm 41:1 give us fantastic promises that ensures us great blessings when we share His goodness with others. In addition, God wants us to know:

  • We are blessed by God when we are generous. [3]
  • We are most like God when we share our blessings with others. [4]
  • We cannot out-give God our endless supply of blessings. [5]

In a world of destructive selfishness and attention-seeking, God wants us, His children, to be attentive to the needs of others and generous with those around us who need help. Generosity is God's path to a life that blesses and receives blessings beyond calculation!

[1] 2 Corinthians 9:5-11.
[2] 2 Corinthians 9:10-14.
[4] John 3:16-17; 2 Corinthians 8:9, 9:14.
[5] 2 Corinthians 9:10-14.

Today's Prayer

Father in heaven, as the Holy Spirit pours your love in my heart,* I ask for the Spirit's help to manifest that love in my generosity to those who need a blessing. In addition, Father, I ask for wisdom^ to know who to help and at what time to help them. I want to be discerning and redemptive in using the blessings you have lavished on me to do your work in my world. Thank you for hearing my prayer in Jesus' name. Amen.

* Romans 5:5.
^ James 1:5-8.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 2 Corinthians 9:1-14
  • Matthew 6:1-33

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Illustration

Illustration of Psalm 41:1 NLT — "Oh, the joys of those who      are kind to the poor!      The Lord rescues them      when they are in trouble.The Lord protects them      and keeps them alive.He gives them prosperity      in the land      and rescues them      from their enemies.The Lord nurses them      when they are sick      and restores them to health."

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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