‘Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly and not under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver’. 2 Corinthians 9:7 [NIV]
On Monday, I reminded you that our giving is a response. Whether we give our time, our talents or our money, we give in response to what God has given us, out of thankfulness. But as we give, we also become imitators of God.
The Greek word for ‘cheerful’ could be more closely rendered ‘hilarious’. God loves a hilarious giver. Why? Because that’s the kind of giver he is. I love the image that this creates, the notion of Almighty God helpless with laughter over the plan of salvation. Not that the means of salvation was funny but the very idea of offering salvation to a grubby, undeserving, ungrateful human race is extravagantly generous.
God wants us to imitate his generosity and not hold back or hold on to what we think of as ‘ours’ out of fear that God will leave us short. The verse above is followed by a promise.
‘And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work’. 2 Corinthians 9:8 [NIV]
Paul says don’t be afraid, give what you can cheerfully (it’s very important that we note the condition of no compulsion). Only some can give a lot, but all of us can give something and it makes a difference when we all do. So don’t be discouraged if you can’t give more. God is more delighted by your attitude than the amount.
ThanksGIVING: give thanks to God for the way he has provided for our church in the past, give thanks for the resources we have, give thanks that our God is a God who multiplies whatever we bring him. Are you currently giving to the work of m2o? Is this way one way in which you could give thanks to God for all he’s given you?
Sheila Bridge
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