Written by Mark Roberts, a contemporary writer.
One of my friends went on a mission trip with members of his church to an impoverished area in southern Africa. Upon arriving, he was struck by how little the people he was visiting had in material wealth. They lived on the edge of serious poverty. But on the first night of his visit, his hosts prepared an elaborate and delicious feast for him and his fellow guests. At first, he felt guilty eating this feast, knowing what a sacrifice it was for his hosts. But when he saw their joy in serving him, his guilt subsided. His acceptance of their exceptional generosity gave them a chance to rejoice and, indeed, to flourish. They were flourishing by living richly through giving richly.
One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. [Proverbs 11:24-25]
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