If you could ask God for anything, what would it be? Now think about this. If you were to ask God what He most wants to give you, what do you think He would say? Do you think those two things would be the same? If not, which one are you getting wrong? I’ve always believed that what the good side of us, the person that we were created to be, desires is exactly the same thing that God desires for us. The secret to living life to the fullest is getting focused on what God wants. That is what fulfills us.
The best blessings come out of a heart of generosity. I’m not just talking about money here. It’s when you reach out to others with an unselfish motive that you get repaid with something so much better than what you gave. Kindness, generosity, or an “Open Hand” mentality pays great dividends. An unselfish act of goodness or mercy comes back to you exponentially greater.
An open hand is welcoming. It says to those in need, “I’ll help you.” It says to God, “What’s Mine is Yours”. It greets a friend with love. It is always ready to work, pray, or praise. And for Christ-followers, it means sacrifice. It’s the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross with arms and hands open wide. As we stretch out our hands, we are following Him.
An open hand also means we are ready to receive from God and from people. If as the scripture says, we are more blessed when we give than when we receive, then one of the ways we bless others and especially God is to receive what is given to us. It honors the giver when there is a grateful open hand on the other side. It is perhaps the holiest thing we can do. How we receive is just as important as how we give. Are your hands open? Are you ready to give or receive with gratitude? If not, you are missing out on so much. I challenge you to open clenched hands and let God make you into a grateful giver and a very blessed receiver.