Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

--Parallel verses:
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭11‬:‭25‬
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Today was a difficult day and also a happy day, in different ways. My Uncle John passed away. He was a big blessing to so many and he will be missed. But he also is in a better place, having lived his life following God’s lead.

His life involved seasons of significant wealth and other seasons of challenge financially. I think this is true of most of us. And no matter his situation, he was always a great encouragement to those around him. He always seemed to lift the spirits in a room.

He was super generous (along with my Aunt Sandi) with his money, time, and energy to serve and love those he came across. He helped fund missions trips, ministries, and in other ways advance the gospel of Jesus Christ. He had family members stay with him when in tough spots, encouraging them back to a healthy place. He also was very generous to my family and to me.

My mom was his sister, and she and my dad were missionaries at the San Jose Rescue Mission. As we were on ministry support, we did not have much money for fun trips. But we could always count on a place to stay with Uncle John and Aunt Sandi. They made it special to stay with them - fun dinners, Disneyland, and other things that he paid for (which we could never afford). They also provided many clothes for us growing up.

My mom passed away when I was 13, and my Uncle John kept tabs on me. He would check in to see how I was doing. One time, when he was in Washington for his daughter’s college, he called me up out of the blue, while I was also in college. He said he wanted to take me fishing and go to a Seahawks game. We had such a great time. Great seats too.

His encouragement and generosity were definitely a spiritual gift from God. When he gave, you knew he did it cheerfully and never expected anything back. He knew God would reward him.

This passage in second Corinthians 9, tells us that the giver will be rewarded with an increase of their seed (Spirit-lead energy and resources to give) and an increase of their harvest of righteousness! WOW - this is a pretty amazing promise. I know my Uncle was richly blessed by God for his generosity, both on earth and now in heaven. The biggest blessing is the harvest of righteousness in saved souls and disciples that we get to influence and bless into the kingdom of God!

And so I pay tribute to my Uncle John West today, and am so thankful for his blessing in my life. He served so many and was gracious, generous, and encouraging. What a model to follow!

Lord, thank you for my Uncle John and his encouraging and generous heart. He loved you and it showed. Grow my encouraging and generous nature as well, and may I make you and him proud as I give and encourage!