| SCRIPTURE TEXT: “As the Scripture says, “Godly people give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will never be forgotten.” For God is the One Who gives seed to the farmer and then breads to eat. In the same way, he will give you any bread to eat. In the same way, he will give you many opportunities to do good, and he will produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will break out in thanksgiving to God.” —2 Corinthians 9: 9 -11 Perhaps you feel you do not have anything to give. But generosity is a response to the greatness of God’s power – the widow’s mite. All resources ultimately come from God and He can increase these resources to give – Exodus 35– we give what we have – it should not be related or compared to what others have. It is the sincerity of the heart- the expression of gratitude, not the size or worth of what is given. Let us start our giving first with forgiveness of those who have wronged us – take away the bitterness, cease from judgment and condemnation. Think of the love of God – we always go to Him for forgiveness. Let us also forgive those who have wronged us. Let us give ourselves- our bodies as living sacrifices – worshipping God with our all because we know that He has done so much for us. Let us give God our time and talents and finances – a sign of obedience that comes from our love for Him. God has put us on earth and given us everything. He is now depending on us to allow Him to use us to give to the extension and expansion of His kingdom – to provide for His temple, priests; the needy etc. Results – joyful abundant rewards – Luke 6:30. The liberal, generous giver needs not to give in fear and destitution – such a giver receives in return gifts out of the abundance of God’s generosity – Prov. 22:9 TO PONDER God is honoured by our gifts – Exodus 35:22 Generous giving honours God- Ezra 2:68-69 God will reward us for giving to others – Mark 9:4. Giving helps others live – Acts 2:44-45. We should support Christian workers – Acts 28:10 |
STAY BLESSED
