Give: How-To

Reflection on 2 Corinthians 9:7

🌼 “Each of you should give…” Give what? Is this just referring to money? I would suggest, no. This could be our time, our love & care, our skills, our resources…aaaaand, yes, also our actual hard-earned money.

🌼 “…what you have decided in your heart to give…” What does this imply? That you’ve made a decision—that you’ve thoughtfully considered what you have to offer, your capacity to give, and made a choice [or failed to do so] regarding your giving.

🌼 “… not reluctantly or under compulsion…” Keyword: NOT. God doesn’t want to yank things out of your grubby fingers and tolerate your thankless grumbling. He does not 👏 need 👏 anything 👏 from you. He is all set. And He will provide for His people and His Kingdom without your begrudging participation. But….

🌼 “…but God loves a cheerful giver.” Isn’t this beautiful? Your joyful, heartfelt, deliberate generosity makes God rejoice! He is pleased with obedience flowing from a right heart.

Look at what comes next: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (verse 8) God will provide for His faithful stewards: in ALL things—not just monetary. And as He does so, you will abound in every good work.

Our God is generous; may He be praised.