Scripture:
2 Corinthians 9: 7 & 15
7 – Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
15 – Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
Observations:
– Paul is more concerned on HOW the church at Corinth gives than WHAT the church gives.
– This was important to Paul because it is important to God, how so? God loves people who give with a cheerful heart.
– How do we become a cheerful giver? We look to the cross. Why? Because “For God so loved the world that He GAVE His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life”
Application:
– the cross is the greatest example of what true giving looks like. We need to be reminded that God looks at the motive of why we’re giving. Are we giving so that we can check it off our religious list? Are we giving so that we can make sure we’re right with God? Or are we giving from a heart that screams for joy knowing we have been given the greatest gift, Jesus. If you are struggling to give, whether it’s your time or resources, look to the cross, remind your heart to rejoice in the gift of Jesus, and through that we become cheerful givers.
Prayer:
Thank you Father for giving us your son. Thank you for showing us what true giving looks like. That you gave Him to us with joy. Help us to give with a cheerful heart as we continue looking to the cross.