Frugality ~ A Good Thing?

Yes, it is a good thing.  The dictionary defines frugality this way ~

The quality of being frugal or prudent in saving; the lack of wastefulness:  many people who have lived through periods of economic deprivation develop lifelong habits of frugality and are almost never tempted by wasteful consumption.

Our society is extremely wasteful.  We have so much.  We don't know what it is like to go hungry.  Even a lot of the poor in our country are overweight.  As believers, we need to be good stewards of this earth, our money, and our possessions.

BUT, you can be so frugal that you become selfish and that is completely opposite of how Jesus wants us to live.  There are many verses about being generous and helping those in need.  We reap what we sow.

The Bible doesn't say anything about being frugal, but it does have a lot to say about being generous.  It is very easy to become stingy and selfish when you want to be frugal.  I know.  I became that way when I was caught up in being frugal and it wasn't pretty.  Here are some verses on being generous ~

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. 

Luke 6:38

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 

Galatians 6:7

It is more blessed to give than to receive. 

Acts 20:35

One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. 

Proverbs 11:24,25

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.        

I Timothy 6:17-19

We know debt is bad so we must live within our means and not be wasteful, but we must believe God.  He says you reap what you sow.  Treat others the way you want to be treated.  Everyone loves being around generous people.  Remember God is our provider. Trust Him from whom all blessings flow.

 
My sister's New Year's Resolution was to not spend any money this year except on the basics.  She is a generous person.  She started a blog about her adventures and it is fun to see how she is continuing to be generous without spending money!  Join her here if you would like to follow her on her journey.

Frugal Friday