The Joy Principle (Matthew 13:44-45 & Acts 20:35): In these two very brief parables, Jesus describes the Kingdom of heaven in the language of precious possessions—possessions that you joyfully (excitedly) give your all in order to secure. There is an undercurrent of joy in the teaching of Jesus on giving, and indeed throughout the bible. Watch Jesus as He takes as seat in the temple and watches the offerings being given. Luke 21:1-4. Do you not hear the joy as he declares her tiny gift the greatest gift? Listen as the woman anoints Jesus with the expensive perfume and everyone else is incensed. But Jesus praises her for such an extravagant gift (Mark 14:1-9, John 12:1-7). I love how John 12:3 states that the house was filled with the fragrance of the gift. Generosity is like that—it smells of joy. Generosity and Joy go together.

Is your generosity producing the sweet fragrance of Joy in your life?

Give until it feels good by Ben Elrod