What would you do if money trees were real?
Think about that for just a second. If money trees were real, you’d plant one, right? You’d take care of it, too. After all, if there’s one tree you’d want to keep healthy, it’s the one giving you cash!
But think about it a little more deeply. My guess is that if money really did grow on trees, you’d be more generous because you’d never have to worry about running out. A relative needs some help with their mortgage? No problem. A friend forgot their debit card and didn’t realize it until the server brought the bill? You’re covering it (and not even wondering if she “forgot” it on purpose). Shoot, my guess is that you’d probably even give money to that stranger who is always at the stoplight holding a sign.
Hang with me. Let’s go one step deeper. What if that money tree only grew enough money for what you would need each day? If you’re like most people, even putting a limit on it makes us feel the squeeze, right? We start to wonder if we’ll have enough to get through the day, but if the money tree always produces what we need, why would we have to worry? You pick the last $20 off the tree and head out to buy groceries and end up with a flat tire. You call home and your family runs out to the tree and just like that, 5 more $20 bills appear because you’re going to need to get that tire fixed today. The tree always provides what you need for the day, and even if you gave away the money to someone else, more would appear to get you through the day because the tree knew you’d be generous.
Even if the tree has been picked clean when you go to sleep, it’ll be producing green fruit before the sun rises, and you’ll be starting the day with a fresh crop of what you need.
Now, I’ve got bad news and better news. The bad news is obvious: there are no money trees. But the better news? God’s mercy works just like that money tree. Lamentations 3:23 is clear that “His mercies begin afresh each morning.”
[Tweet “More mercy is coming tomorrow, and because it is, we can be generous in how we show mercy today.”]That means God knows how much mercy you and I will need today. He’s already provided it, and because He’s going to give us new mercy every day, we don’t have to be mercy misers! We can give mercy away to people who need it like Oprah gives away cars.
“You get mercy! And you get mercy! And you and you! Mercy, mercy, mercy!”
You get the idea. Spread that mercy around like it’ll never run out because it won’t.
More mercy is coming tomorrow, and because it is, we can be generous in how we show mercy today.
