GIVE CHEERFULLY
Daphne Powell
Today’s Scripture: "The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, ESV
Theme: The point is, you can't handle the financial pressure, and you shouldn't, because it was always God's. We earn it to give it back, cheerfully.
GIVE FAITHFULLY
We work 40 plus hours a week to earn money. That money goes to pay bills. Many people live paycheck to paycheck and wonder how they can afford to live comfortably. We try not to worry, but after the Pandemic, with inflation and an uncertain job market, the financial pressure can be overwhelming.
Jesus is our example. He not only gave, but He also multiplied. So when He asks us to give, it is by faith that we know He will give and even multiply in our lives. The assumption we make is that if we give a dollar, we get a dollar [or even more]. Yet that is not what He means. If we begin to think that way, we are truly confused about this principle. When you give faithfully, you are rewarded faithfully.
GIVE MORE
For many, tithing can seem like a big commitment. But we are to give that and more! If you write that one check and say I’m done, then you are sowing sparingly. We live in a financial bubble: we worry about our bills and our finances. But if we look beyond our front door, we see need. There is always an opportunity to give more; we just need to trust the Lord and give.
GIVE CHEERFULLY
Why do you think He states to be a cheerful giver and not just a giver? The relationship with Jesus is a personal one. He is our God, our Father, and the Lord Who Provides. Do you think He wants us to give yet have a frown on our faces? Can you imagine walking up to someone and giving them a donation with a “Hey, I had to do this”? Our giving is a testimony. Jesus is our example. He gave unselfishly. You can change someone else’s story, and your own, by giving cheerfully and generously.
Make It Personal: I serve in the community, and we have a prayer box where kids can write prayers. This past weekend, a little girl prayed for food. Let me restate this: FOOD. In my entire life, I have never prayed for food. So, when you question why God asks us to give, we only need to serve to see why. God wants us to give and care for others with our money, not hold on so tightly.
Pray: Lord, I pray that when someone finds themselves in a financially stressful time, that they pray to You for assistance. You love us and hear our prayers. Help me to be generous. Provide for my needs. I also pray that those who have--but still refuse to give--are touched by Your example. Amen.
Read: 2 Corinthians 8:9; Luke 1:37; Proverbs 11: 24-25
Weekly Memory Verse: “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5, ESV