Do you feel led to give?
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:7-8
Christmas is over; those shoe boxes full of toys and school supplies for needy children got sent out months ago. The receipts for your tithing at church, and the donations you made to the local charity have been filed. The season of giving has finally come to an end.
Or has it?
The Apostle Paul challenged the first century Church to give financially as they felt led to give, and his words challenge the Church today as well.
Do you struggle with giving?
God does not want you to give as if you were simply following a rule book, or checking something off of a list. God desires that you give as an act of worship, responding to receiving the grace that he has given you through his son, Jesus Christ.
Do you feel led to give?
Give generously, as you feel led! Whether you have an abundance or are living paycheck to paycheck, you can give joyfully and generously. And Paul’s words are an assurance that God can provide for all of your needs, as you continue to do the works he calls you to do.
Most importantly, remember that Jesus gave up his glory and “became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). As you give of your finances, remember what Jesus gave up for you. Rejoice that God can use your giving to help others come to know Jesus as their savior as well.
Father, thank you for providing us with all that we have. Thank you for sending your son, Jesus Christ, to be our savior. Help us to have generous hearts; and help us to trust that you will provide for our needs as we give of our finances. Amen.
Thought: Where is your heart when you think about giving of your finances? If you struggle to give of your money, confess this to the Lord, and ask him to give you a generous, giving heart. Pray that God will give you an opportunity to give, and that he will give you joy as you give to him.
By Caran Jantzen
Used by Permission
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