1/18/2024

Our scripture this morning is 2 Corinthians 9:6-8.

Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.

Paul writes about generosity and that by giving for God’s work we are blessed in return. He uses an agricultural example that people of his time could understand, but the lesson still speaks to us today. God calls us to use what we have been given for the good of all His children.

Giving with the right spirit is an important part of this lesson. The phrase “God loves a cheerful giver” tells us we mustn’t give merely as a duty, but with love in our hearts for what our giving will help accomplish. It’s not about the amount; Jesus taught us this in Luke 21:4, the story of the poor widow: ”for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on.”

Good stewardship of God’s gifts shows our love for Him and one another. God wants nothing from us but our love and enthusiastic faith. By sharing our blessings from Him we can bless others, and do the kingdom work we are all called to do.

Loving Lord, You have given us everything and the responsibility to use it wisely. Help us to see that in giving we are doubly blessed. Amen.

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