BENEFITS OF GENEROSITY REVEALED

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Today’s Readings:

2 Corinthians 9:6-10

Psalm 112:1-2,5-9

John 12:24-26

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Who is the patron saint of comedians? It is Saint Lawrence, the deacon. His patronage is not because he is funny. Far from it. Lawrence was among the seven deacons of the Roman church serving Pope Sixtus II, whose martyrdom preceded Lawrence’s by a few days. It is said that Lawrence gave the church’s treasures to the poor and the sick before his arrest instead of giving them to the soldiers who martyred him. When the soldiers demanded the goods of the Church, Lawrence presented the poor and the sick instead. St. Ambrose of Milan and the Latin poet Prudentius, among others, recorded that he was roasted to death on a gridiron (like Hausa’s ‘suya’ ). He told his torturers at one point, “I am cooked on that side; turn me over, and eat.” He is also the patron of schoolchildren, poor people and cooks to mention a few. He is commended most of all for his generosity to the poor.

There are several benefits of generosity:

•           Generosity frees our hearts from greed and selfishness.

•           Generosity focuses our minds on the good that can come as a result of our sacrifice.

•           Generosity with your time shows others the depth of your love.

•           Generosity with your resources serves to expand God’s kingdom on earth.

•           Generosity with your talent inspires others to give their best to God.

•            Acts of generosity are potent forms of atonement for sins.

•            A generous person will always find favour and open doors.

•            A generous person shall never be overcome by their enemies.

•            A generous person will never lack any good thing.

•            A generous person will never be ensnared by sin.

•            A generous person is humble and obedient to God.

•            A generous person is more trusting of divine providence.

•            A generous person shall be delivered from anxiety.

•            A generous person is God’s servant and will dwell forever in heaven.

                                                                                                JUDE-MARY OWOH

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To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”

If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.

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Prayer:

1. Lord, give me a large and generous heart, in Jesus' name.

2. Lord, give me patience with others, in Jesus' name.

3. Lord, help me atone for my sins through my generosity, in Jesus' name.

4. Lord, deliver me from being possessed by my possessions, in Jesus' name.

5. Lord, help me to spread your kingdom by the rightful use of my time, talent and treasures.

6. Lord, help me to arrive at my true treasure in heaven at the end of my life. Amen

7. May God reward your generosity, fight your battles and open doors of favour for you in Jesus' name. Amen.