BEATING FAMINE: GENEROSITY

…Boaz commanded his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among the sheaves, and do not reproach her. Also let grain from the bundles fall purposely for her; leave it that she may glean, and do not rebuke her.” Ruth 2:15-16

REFERENCE

Ruth 2:1-16

The greatest temptation in times of famine/economic downturn is to become tight-fisted and to hold back from giving to God and to others. The need for self-preservation becomes very strong, and the fear of not having enough if you share what you have tends to take center-stage in your heart.

Considering what transpired in this story between Boaz and Ruth, Boaz must have maintained a heart of generosity even in the time of famine, because when he saw the poor, i.e. Ruth in his farm, he permitted her to glean from his sheaves, he didn’t reap the corners of the field, so she could have them; he left things on purpose for her, and even extended his generosity to her mother-in-law Naomi (Ruth 3:15-17).

Also, we saw that at mealtime, his workers all gathered to eat what he must have provided and they ate to their satisfaction because Ruth had leftovers to take home. This perhaps may have been one of the reasons why he became prosperous in the famine, because Proverbs 11:25 says, “The generous person will prosper.”

Likewise, to beat a famine and prosper through financially tough times, you must be willing to share what you have. As a believer, maintain the culture of giving to God, in continual ‘practice’ of the Covenant of Blessing (because covenants are practiced, not prayed). Give also to others, especially those less privileged than you because when you water others, you will in turn be watered. It is illogical to ‘scatter’ your seed (give) and yet increase more, but it is biblical! (Proverbs 11:24).

Farmers know that to keep up a harvest in and out of season, they need to keep sowing regardless of the scarcity of resources. So, as much as possible, maintain a spirit of generosity. God will multiply the seeds you sow.

SCRIPTURE PHOTO