The “Bountiful Eye.” Something about that phrase reminds me of poorly produced horror movies. The sort of movie where the special effects are really bad, and the camera focuses too much on creepy themes. I can take watching a person’s eyeball only so much.
Fortunately, “The Bountiful Eye” offers a whole lot more from a biblical perspective. In Proverbs 22:9, we are inspired by the Words:
“Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, for he shares his bread with the poor.”
I love this verse. Granted, I like the part about being blessed, but there is so much more. First, I notice the action that is lauded – sharing bread with the poor. There is a literal action being referred to here—meeting the physical needs of those around us. There are also those around us that are poor when it comes to social needs, emotional needs, and spiritual needs. We are reminded to share what we have—we are blessed to be a blessing.
The action that we are called to in this Proverb is compelling, but there is a state of being that captivates me—a “bountiful eye.” We are called to be searching for and sensing those around us who are in need. We are to be in a constant posture of seeing how we can come alongside those God has us journeying with. This requires intentionality.
This posture of seeing with intentionality brings me to prayer. I desperately need God’s Spirit at work in and through me to see as He sees. I yearn for my selfish desires to fade as I increasingly focus my eyes on blessing others, and seeing what I have missed many times during my life. The needs of others.
Father, may we see with bountiful eyes. May we see the needs before us–in our churches, in our communities, and in our homes. May we be in a posture of seeing with your generous eyes, and respond to Gospel envisioned opportunities with passion and lavishness rather than restraint and reluctance. May You, Lord, be honored by how your bountiful vision becomes a part of our daily lives.
Photo courtesy of Sam Greene.
