A Humble Heart and a Generous Spirit

May 4, 2021

The Bible has lots of promises for us. Sometimes when we read them, we find one that we think is just for us. Other times we get to see the fulfillment of a Bible promise in someone else’s life.

I remember with joy in my heart a special story about a young guy that I knew several years ago. His name is Federico and the Bible promise in Luke 6:38 became real in his life.

When my family was serving as missionaries in South America, we met Federico. He was one of our students in one of the boarding academies. Federico worked in the kitchen of the school in order to pay for his tuition. One day another group of missionaries visited the school and noticed Federico was a hard-working student. After the meal, one person gave him a $10 tip. Ten dollars was quite a large amount of money for an academy student.

One night at a prayer meeting, the school was asking for donations to help a local teenager attend the Adventist academy. This teen would be taught how to read and write, and would also get to know about Jesus and His Word.

I saw Federico give his $10 tip as a donation. Not only was this a large sum for a student, but this was the only money Federico had. Yet, he gave it all to help another person that he did not know so that they could have a Christian education. I shared with my husband what I had observed and he shared the story with the leader of the missionary group that was visiting.

On the group’s last day they collected an offering. They called Federico and gave him $110! His quiet act of generosity had moved them to help him with his tuition.

I praise God for His promises, for the generosity of the missionaries and for teaching me a good lesson.

You see, when we help others with all of our heart and with all we have, Jesus’ promises become real.

Luke 6:38 says, “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”

I saw that promise in action! Federico gave $10 and God blessed him with not only the $10 that he gave before (a good measure), but an additional $100 (running over)! Federico did not expect that, but God honors the good heart and the cheerful giver. You will have a lot of opportunities to help or serve others. Do it, help, serve, give with all your heart! Jesus will take care of the rest; His promises will be real in your life!



By Sonia Cano
Southwestern Union Children’s Ministries Director