16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
25 The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
Today’s opening Scripture tells us about the benevolent heart of God the Father. It speaks to us of how that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life. This is profound benevolence! Out of God’s abundant love for us, He gave His only Son, not for His benefit, but ours, that we might not perish, but have everlasting life. Awesome! That’s God’s amazing love; love that puts others first, love that seeks the good of others first, love that’s self-giving, not self-seeking. This is Agape love – the Godkind of love. The love that truly loves and seeks the gain and profiting of its recipient or beneficiary as a matter of priority. This is the love of God that demonstrates His benevolence unto us.
God’s love is extravagant and benevolent; His love is large and deep and inclusive of all. What does it mean to be benevolent? It means to be liberal, generous, and kind. A benevolent spirit is that of kindness; it is such an attractive and beautiful spirit in the sight of God. Proverbs 11:25 tells us, “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” The Word says the liberal soul shall be made fat, which means that the giver always tends to increase, prosperity, and abundance. That’s the miracle of a benevolent spirit. Benevolence is a strong expression of who God is. The opening Scripture gives us God’s example of benevolence in giving us His Son. 1 John 4:8 tells us that God is Love – charitable Love, giving, liberal Love. That’s who God is, and anytime there is an expression of this kind of benevolence, God is always attracted to such expression and the cheerful giver. That’s why 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” The Amplified says it in this manner, “Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving].” It is more blessed to give than to receive. Cheerful givers are always ahead of mean takers. God is in love with cheerful givers. Stay on the giving side of life.
My Solid Front (Confession):
I am a child of God. I carry His love nature; therefore, I declare that I am benevolent in nature just as my Father is. I give cheerfully and liberally therefore I experience abundance in Jesus’ Name. Amen
Further Meditation:
James 1:5; 1 John 3:16-18.