Showers of Blessing

“He that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Proverbs 11:25

Solomon is instructing his son about the nature and after-effect of living a righteous life empowered by God’s word, will and way versus a life that is lived in the pursuit of materialistic, earthly-minded and profane desires. He uses a parallel of the advantages of the righteous and wise, opposed to the miseries of the wicked and the foolish and understanding what is true and false riches.

In this discourse, we are reminded of the importance of including others as we are seeking God’s blessings as we live out our lives. We are reminded by the Wiseman we will be, “watered also” in our acts of kindness towards others.

Jesus reinforces this teaching with these words:

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38)

This is not a formula for gaining wealth but rather this is how we are to live our lives. Giving is one of the attributes of God. We understand God gave His Son for our hope:

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

The most powerful testimony and evidence of our relationship with our Heavenly Father is when we demonstrate to the world God’s attributes as we live out our lives. When we “watereth” the people God puts in our lives we also are “watered.”

A kind word, support in prayer, lifting up our stumbling brothers and sisters and monetary assistance to help relieve others in distress gains God’s attention. We find this testimony in Cornelius, a military leader in the Roman army, with these words describing how God observed his life:

“A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.” (Acts 10:2)

Cornelius was rewarded by God for his “watering” with the gospel message being brought to him, assisted by angels. Following God’s instructions, Cornelius sent messengers to Peter and:

 “And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by an holy angel to send for thee into his house, and to hear words of thee. (Acts 10:22)

Cornelius was indeed “watered” by God. Peter was sent by God to deliver the gospel to Cornelius and his house and as he preached:

“While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.” (Acts 10:44)

Living a life of giving that is motived and driven by the Spirit of God is to live in God’s favor. We are in God’s favor for one simple reason - we are living our lives in the reflection of God’s mercy and grace. We often are guilty of measuring out our “watering” by assessing the merit of the people we are willing to make available to accept our grace and mercy.

People do not “earn” grace and mercy. Grace and mercy are given in spite of their worthiness to receive it. This observation from the scripture makes this truth clear,:

“But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom 5:8)

How about you? Are you living a life of “watering” or are you living your life in an ego-centric lifestyle? Are you giving to others as God has given to you? The favor of God on your life is gained when you seek to display God’s nature and character in your daily walk.

To quote the Wiseman one more time:

“Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.” (Pro 11:31)

The favor and blessings of God are not just reserved for you in Heaven but the “water” of God will come as showers of blessings today.