Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.
Psalm 112:5 (NIV)
Generosity and Justice
Canada’s justice system is considered among the best in the world. Rates of crime and severity of crime have been declining, and Canadians generally feel safe. Crime rates are as low as in the early 1970s. The Crime Severity Index has declined 31% in the last decade. 9 in 10 Canadians are satisfied with their personal safety from crime. 8 in 10 Canadians feel safe in their neighbourhoods at night. And 76% of Canadians have confidence in the police.
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Even children understand when something isn’t just. How often have I heard my children, when they were little, and now my young grandchildren, shout, “That isn’t fair.” Human beings, even in our sinful state, are created in the image of God, and God is by nature, just. So we innately understand when something isn’t fair or just. So it isn’t surprising that God calls His people to act with justice. Psalm 112:5 says “Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.” God’s people are called to be generous, to be willing to help others out with our finances and to be honest and just in all that we do. I remember speaking once to a server at a restaurant who found out I was a pastor. She told me that she didn’t like to work Sunday lunch, because the “after-church” crowd were the worst tippers of the week. What a shame, I thought. A great opportunity to be a good witness for the Lord, and we have blown it. How much better to be obedient to Biblical instruction and be generous and just in all our financial dealings. Pray about how you can be generous and just today.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley