Helping Others Experience God’s Presence

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“God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

We have just competed a series on the topic of “experiencing God’s Presence.” We discovered that there are three ways, each very practical and easy to do on a personal level, that will open our lives to an unmistakable, undeniable, and unforgettable encounter with God.

Now I must tell you that there is one thing you can do to help others around you to experience God’s Presence. And this one thing may, when all is said and done, be of such importance that apart from it you yourself may never fully know the nearness of the Lord in your own life!

In a single word it is Generosity. The previous three each provide a supply of God’s Presence to you; generosity provides for others a supply of God’s presence through you.

Jesus said, “Give, and it shall be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.” (Luke 6:38).

I once heard it said, “You cannot give away what you do not have.” If you are not experiencing God’s presence in your life, it is not likely that you can help others do so either. However, if your ARE experiencing God’s presence, then everything in you is pre-set by God to insure that others will inevitably encounter the Lord when they are with you.

But you must commit yourself to an attitude, indeed, a lifestyle of generosity. Webster’s define this as “characterized by a noble and forbearing spirit, being open-hearted and open-handed in liberality.”

We are not merely talking about money here; this lifestyle of generosity covers everything about you. Others come to know you as a giver, rather than a taker; a man or woman who is always ready to help in ways that more than make a difference.

It’s only fitting that this be our grand aspiration. After all, when we consider all that the Lord Jesus has so freely given to us, how can we continue to live any other way but open and generous?

Try it today, and you will see that I am right.

Do something that is purposefully generous for someone else – and watch how their lives become filled with a sense of God’s presence. Then, ready yourself for an astounding backwash of blessing. For as you have given, so it will be given to you again in good and abundant measure!
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