Five days ago we began a new series that has a connection to the previous series, ‘fruit,’ in its metaphorical manifestation. It consists of the qualities noted in Galatians 5:22-23 as the fruits of the Spirit. If you missed the Hebrew Word from the Lord titled ‘the fruit of the Spirit,’ we recommend that you read it now. You can find it in a previous email from about two weeks ago. The fifth fruit of the Spirit is generosity, ‘ne•di•voot.’
Whereas, the Old Testament translation of ‘ne•di•voot’ is always ‘generosity,’ the New Testament offers various interpretations, depending on the version and even on the verse. To be precise, the Hebrew in both the Old Testament and the New Testament
says ‘ne•di•vot’ and not ‘ne•di•voot,’ as we say it today. It just shows a slight change in pronunciation of this word between biblical and modern Hebrew.
In the New Testament you may find other translations to ‘ne•di•voot,’ such as ‘gentleness,’ ‘liberality,’ ‘bountifully’ and more. All circle the same idea: giving to others. This important fruit of the Spirit is expected of people throughout scriptures:
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver”
The prophet, Isaiah, strongly stresses the importance of generosity in the Old Testament:
“But the generous devises generous things; and by generous things shall he stand”
The call for charity
“As it is written, ‘He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor. His righteousness remains forever.’ Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; you being enriched in everything to all liberality, which works through us thanksgiving to God’”
Although we see the importance God places on charity, this instruction is not complete unless we know how, in what manner, we are expected to give.
We’ll cover this crucial Bible teaching tomorrow, God is willing.
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