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SCRIPTURE READING: EXODUS 16:2-15, PHILIPPIANS 1:21-30, MATTHEW 20:23-34

REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “Don’t begrudge God’s Generosity.”  To begrudge also means to resent or envy the fortunes or blessings of another person. Don’t begrudge God’s generosity means do not envy a person because of God’s blessing in his or her life. In other words, do not become resentful or envious of what God is doing in someone’s life. We shall discuss the following points:

1. We must not begrudge God’s generosity because He is faithful to us.
2. We must not begrudge God’s generosity because He loves and cares for us.

Firstly, we must not begrudge God’s generosity because He is faithful. The God who liberated Israel from the hands of the Egyptians remained faithful to them but unfortunately when they became hungry for a little while they grumbled and soon forgot that God was faithful. Even though they were resentful and ungrateful, He was still faithful to them “The LORD said to Moses, ¹² “I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, ‘At twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.’” Exodus 16:11-12. Because God is faithful we must not begrudge His generosity but show contentment and gratitude for His faithfulness to us. God assures us of His faithfulness He said “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11). Dear friend, regardless unlike the Isrealites who grumbled and were ungrateful to God’s faithfulness and generosity, Paul encouraged us through his letter to the Philippians that “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Philippians 1:27). In other words, we must follow the perfect example or image of Christ in all that we do so that we do not offend God. Let us remember that “….godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” (1 Timothy 6:6-7) We shall experience both good and hard times in life for “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens Ecclesiastes 3:1 but as believers let us not grumble at God for He is faithful and will “…will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19)

Secondly, we must not begrudge God’s generosity because He cares. Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”  The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!” Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.  “Lord,” they answered, “we want our sight.”Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.” (Matthew 20:30-34). Let us not be an impediment to other’s deliverance, progress and success in life. We must help and lead others to the saving or redemptive grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul admonishes us to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. ” (Philippians 2:3-4) To envy others or be an impediment on their way is to begrudge the generosity of God.

In summary, we have reflected on the theme “Don’t begrudge the generosity of God. We have learned from the Scriptures that we must not begrudge God’s generosity because He is faithful to us. Again, we must not begrudge God’s generosity because He loves and cares for us. May the Holy Spirit grant us the understanding to appreciate God’s generosity in our lives and that of others. Amen