Some people I know add value, others make withdrawals.  Some enrich us, others deplete us.  Let’s think about that and personalize it.

Givers bring encouragement, support, unity, and prayer. We anticipate meeting with them, don’t we?  Takers complain to us, criticize us, or even shuffle their responsibilities onto our shoulders. When their number shows up on the caller ID, I’m tempted to not answer.

The book of Acts introduces us to a man who was generous.  He was a man who left people so encouraged when he was a part of their lives that they gave him a nickname- Barnabas. Look at his story. “There was Joseph, the one the apostles nicknamed Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”). (Acts 4:36-37, NLT)  He wasn’t eloquent, did not project an air of great competence.  Unlike Paul, he is not known for his teaching. He was an encourager, a real people-person!

When the early church was skeptical about Paul’s new-found faith, Barney stood by him and vouched for the genuineness of his transformation. His great heart clearly made a positive difference wherever he went. One passage tells us that “When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessing, he was filled with joy, and he encouraged the believers to stay true to the Lord. Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and strong in faith. And many people were brought to the Lord.” (Acts 11:23-25, NLT)

Jude tells Christians to learn to be generous with encouragement. For those who suck the life of others he says: “They are like shameless shepherds who care only for themselves. They are like clouds blowing over the land without giving any rain. They are like trees in autumn that are doubly dead, for they bear no fruit and have been pulled up by the roots. …These people are grumblers and complainers, living only to satisfy their desires. They brag loudly about themselves, and they flatter others to get what they want.” (Jude 12, 16, NLT) Then, he urges us to an entirely different kind of life: “But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering.” (Jude 20-22, NLT)

So, friend, which will you be today – a giver or a taker?

If we live in God’s love, if we accept grace and mercy from His hand, we can overflow with love, grace, and mercy to others. We never run out because “God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19, NIV)

Here’s a word from the Word.“One man gives freely yet gains even more,  anotherwithholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper, he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:24