MOTIVE MATTERS
Kendra Intihar
Today's Scripture: “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” 2 Corinthians 9:6, ESV
Theme: Generous giving is bountiful, not sparse.
WHY GIVE?
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” 2 Corinthians 9:7 (ESV). The Pharisees tithed because they were compelled by the Law to do so. What compels us to tithe now that the Law has been fulfilled? Jesus; grace; the Holy Spirit living inside of us; the knowledge that tithing is an important part of keeping our own financial houses in order. We tithe because of the indescribable gratitude that we feel toward a loving God who sacrificed everything to give us the hope of eternity with Him. We tithe because it reflects the condition of our hearts, fully surrendered to Him.
RESPONDING GRATEFULLY
This tenderness and gratefulness we feel for the hope He has given us? That’s why we seek out ways to give beyond what we think our means are. That’s why we budget for our tithe, but then offer Him even more. Yes, we desire His promised blessing, but more than that? We desire the opportunity to offer Him our best through sacrifices of thanksgiving and praise – an eager offering back to God out of the abundance He has given us so that we can “take hold of that which is life indeed” (1 Timothy 6:19b, NASB).
WALK IN GRACE
We are called to walk obediently in response to God’s great love for us. The evidence of our obedience is seen when we gladly discipline ourselves to give generously. The Law made people give grudgingly. Yet grace inspires us to give joyfully.
Make It Personal: If our level of generosity is a window into the condition of our hearts (see: Matthew 6:21), what does your generosity toward God tell you about the condition of your heart? Do your giving habits acknowledge your gratitude? What steps can you take this week to practice the discipline of generous giving?
Pray: Lord God, I truly am grateful. I know Your sacrifice and remember the Gift You have given me. Help me live out my gratitude by showing generosity: to my church, to my friends and family, to the strangers You put in my path. I remember that I have been given much. Help my first response to also be a giving response. In Your Name I pray. Amen.
Read: Mark 12:41-44; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7; Timothy 6:17-19
Weekly Memory Verse: “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:25, NLT