Read: Proverbs 29:6-14
The poor man and the oppressor meet together; the LORD gives light to the eyes of both. (v. 13)
Throughout the story of God, I see the undeniable evidence that God is not stingy. Perhaps circumstances and the liar have attempted to teach us differently, but there it is, again and again. Beginning with the bountiful Genesis garden, humans enjoyed endless variety and beauty (Genesis 2:9). God fed his children daily in the wilderness with more than they could eat and would not allow them to save leftovers (Exodus 16).
Jesus described his Abba as a generous sower, who casts seed broadly—not just on fertile soil, but on rocky places, worn down paths, and weedy byways (Luke 8:4-15). And he teaches how God loves lavishly, “He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). Seeds, sunlight, and showers make no exception.
Peter, that hardheaded and reckless disciple-turned-pastor preaches that God is patient, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). God is not stingy.
“But why?” our less-generous hearts want to know. Why does God bless both the humble and the oppressor, giving light to both? The clue lies in Romans 2:4, for it is the lavish kindness of God that leads to repentance. —Amy Clemens
As you pray, confess any stinginess of spirit, and ask for a heart like God’s heart.
About the Author
With a bachelors in journalism from Texas Tech University and a masters from Western Theological Seminary, Amy Clemens enjoys all things writing, particularly about the life of faith. She is blessed with a family that includes husband Fred, five children, and five grandchildren.
Amy has just published her first book, "Walking When You'd Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall," which weaves her journey from childhood abuse toward healing and spiritual growth with a practical theology for the big story of God. You can find out more about the book and author at walkingwhenyoudratherfly.com.
