WATERING OTHERS
26th Mar 2014
My reading of the Psalms and Proverbs this year in the Living Bible is proving refreshing and stimulating. In Provers 11:25 it says, “Yes, the liberal man shall be rich! By watering others, he waters himself.” Spring has arrived and it is the time for sowing and watering, not only in the practical sense, but even more so in our every day lives.
Jesus surprised his disciples when he told them, “For I was hungry and you gave me food. I was thirsty and you gave me a drink. I was lonely and you made me welcome. I was naked and you clothed me. I was ill and you came and looked after me. I was in prison and you came to see me there.” Their response to this information was “When did we do this?” to which Jesus replied, “I assure you that whatever you did for the humblest of my brothers you did for me.” (Matthew 25:35-40)
When life is difficult, when all we can see is our own need and lack, it is so easy to be filled with self pity and think of the many ways that others ought to be meeting our needs. However, the more we dwell upon our situation, the more miserable we become. It is at this point we should look away from ourselves and seek to meet the needs of others.
When Proverbs says, “By watering others, he waters himself,” he is pointing to very simple ways that we can become a real blessing to others. Who will you reach out to today? The vital spiritual principle is that when we meet the needs of others, we might even benefit more than the person we are reaching out to.
Put this to the test today, make a phone call; ask someone to come around for a meal; send an anonymous gift to someone in need; go and call on a friend who is lonely.
Give and it will be given to you! He who sows generously will reap generously!
Put it to the test.
by Charles Sibthorpe
