Bible in a Year:
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give.
When it comes to giving, the apostle Paul was clear: God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). But his encouragement to the believers in Corinth, and to us, is a variation of scaling. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart (v. 7). We each find ourselves at different giving levels, and sometimes those levels change over time. Comparison is not beneficial, but attitude is. Based on where you are, give generously (v. 6). Our God has promised that the disciplined practice of such cheerful giving brings enrichment in every way with a blessed life that results in thanksgiving to God (v. 11).
How would you describe your giving: Cheerful? Reluctant? Under compulsion? Not comparing yourself to anyone else, what might cheerful giving look like?
Generous God, I want to be a cheerful giver, to give it my best effort. I know that discipline in this area is crucial. Give me the wisdom not to compare, the strength to sow generously, and the faith to leave the results in Your hands.
Howdy, Rus! (((hugs)))
Hope things are going well for you. Thanks for our beautiful lesson from God’s Word.