2 Corinthians 9:6-8
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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 9:6-8 NIV
We are to give of our time, talents and resources; and this includes our finances to further the cause of Christ’s gospel in our own locality, throughout our nation and to the very ends of the earth. We are not to squander our time and resources on peripheral things but give ourselves wholeheartedly to the things of God. Where does the heart of a cheerful giver come from? It comes from God who has given us all things. He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give us all things? Jesus Christ must have priority in and over our lives. Every good work and each generous gesture, whether material or spiritual, will reap a great reward when carried out by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit with a good and generous attitude. When we hear about a need, how do we respond? As believers, we should approach such situations with a selfless and compassionate attitude. True compassion not only tries to understand the pain of others but also provides practical help. In times of need, remember that we have the privilege of touching anybody anywhere that has a need, remember that we might be the one confronted in that situation some day. Therefore, we must notice the needs of others and reach out to help them with the love of Christ. Cheerful giving that proceeds from a heart that loves to do the will of the Lord in spirit and in truth is applauded, while a gift that is given grudgingly comes from a heart that has misunderstood the true purpose of giving and which sadly misses the blessings that stream into the life of a faithful and true disciple of the Lord. Perhaps we should all examine the hidden motives of our heart as we give of our time, our money, our skill and our talents, to see if our hearts are filled with joy and grateful thanks for all that Christ has done for us or if we are still using our Christian giving in response to legalist bondage, selfish motives or for any other unbiblical purpose. Verse 8 contains a powerful promise. If we are willing to generously share with others in the name of Jesus as the apostle Paul encourages us, we will have what we need and our lives will be full of good deeds that bring glory to God. We reap blessings that are both material and spiritual. Let us never forget that God knows the heart. He knows when gifts, whether material or spiritual, are given reluctantly or joyfully. May we be those who give generously to others and to the Lord, in grateful thanks, for the wonderful gift of His only begotten Son or Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!!
Father thank You for this day and Your life changing Word. Lord let Your abundant blessings flow from the floodgates of heaven over my friend and family today. Lord create in us a clean heart and develop in us a generous spirit. Lord we pray that we may become a cheerful, generous, and gracious giver, in every area of our lives. Lord help us to apply the principle of sowing and reaping abundantly so that others may be blessed and Your Name may be glorified. Lord use my friend to be the touch of Your love that someone needs today. Daddy we love You amen. Be a blessing. Love ya !!
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