Living with Open Hands: Generosity in Action

Living with Open Hands: Generosity in Action


"And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” — Genesis 14:18-20 (ESV)


In the busyness of life, it’s easy to forget that generosity is not just about giving from our abundance. It’s about recognizing the source of all we have—God Himself. When we reflect on the story of Abram and Melchizedek in Genesis 14:17-24, we see that generosity flows from gratitude, trust, and recognizing everything as a gift from God. Abram’s giving wasn’t a reaction to a need; it was a response to God's blessing and provision. This passage challenges us to rethink how we give—not out of obligation but from a deep sense of thanksgiving and trust in God's ability to provide.


After Abram’s victory over the kings, he meets Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High. Melchizedek blesses Abram, acknowledging that it is God who delivered Abram’s enemies into his hands. In response, Abram gives a tenth of all his spoils to Melchizedek. This act wasn’t about the amount he gave, but the heart behind it. Abram gave because he recognized that his victory, his possessions, and his life were all from God. His response was one of gratitude, honoring God with what He had entrusted to him.


Generosity is not just about our finances; it’s about our posture toward God and His provision in our lives. When we recognize that we are stewards of God’s blessings, we are free to give without fear or reservation, knowing that He will continue to provide for us. Proverbs 11:24-25 reminds us, “One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered” — Proverbs 11:24-25 (ESV). It is when we give freely that we open ourselves up to God’s blessings in return. Likewise, Proverbs 22:9 says, “Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.” — Proverbs 22:9 (ESV). Generosity has a way of opening doors to both spiritual and material blessings, not because we give to get, but because it reflects God’s heart and He delights in our willingness to bless others


When we give—whether time, finances, or energy—we are not just responding to a need; we are living out our trust in God’s provision. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 reminds us, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” We are called to give joyfully, not out of obligation, but as a reflection of our gratitude and trust in God. True generosity comes from a heart that knows God is the ultimate provider.


As you reflect on this passage, consider how God is calling you to give. Are you holding back, focused on what you have or lack? Are you giving freely, trusting in God’s promise to provide? How can you be a blessing to others today?


Prayer:

Father, thank You for all the blessings You have poured into my life. Help me to see everything I have as a gift from You and to give freely out of gratitude. Teach me to trust in Your provision, knowing You will supply my needs. May my generosity reflect Your heart and point others to Your goodness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.


Scripture References:
Genesis 14:17-24, Proverbs 11:24-25, Proverbs 22:9, 2 Corinthians 9:6-7