The Joy of Giving – October 9, 2022

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. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-9

The Joy of Giving

In the comparison that the apostle Paul uses of sowing seed, implied is the truth that the sower would not have seed to sow if there had been no previous harvest. So, we would have no offerings to give if God had not blessed us with the money we have. We are givers because God has given to us. And he gives us so much more than we can ever return to him! How can we ever give back to God a gift equal to salvation, an offering comparable to the peace of the forgiveness of sins, a donation that even comes close to the gift of his Son?

We don’t just practice giving. We practice Christian giving. Christian giving involves our faith in the promises of God. God urges us to trust in his limitless ability to cause his blessings to abound in our lives. We can give our offerings generously, trusting in the promise of God that he cares for us and will supply all that we need for life.

God’s grace is poured out on us abundantly. His grace works in our hearts a willingness, yes, a joy, to give offerings to God. The joy of giving is a result of God’s miracle worked in our hearts to thankfully give to God, who has given us the joy of salvation by faith in Jesus. When we focus on Christ, our giving is not a reluctant action or a compulsive habit but a joyful and thankful response to God’s great love for us. This is the kind of cheerful giving that God loves.

Prayer:
Lord God, increase my trust in your promise to supply all I need for life. Lead me to reflect my thankfulness for all your blessings in the joyful way I give my offerings. Amen.