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. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, “He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. (2 Corinthians 9:6-12, ESV)
Have you ever had someone talk to you about giving money?
We have all had those calls from the Police, the Fire department, the children’s hospital, United Way, schools we have attended, the list goes on and on…
Then there is the church! How many of us have heard that we need to give more at church? It seems we are always hearing about something at church that will need our money. How do we do this?
We can easily get to the point where we feel like we are being coerced into giving, and we have to give and if we don’t then we aren’t good enough and our faith is not good enough.
That is not what Paul is saying. He is saying we need to give. So if you are a follower of Christ and you are not giving, that is a flag to look at your situation. Giving does not mean all financial either. Do you give time, and talents (as in gifts God has given you?) that is giving. If you are not think about that and pray. Work that out with God.
What Paul is telling us is to be cheerful in our giving, not to give out of coercion, or because we feel we have to, but because we have decided in out hearts this is what God is calling us to do. Giving is something we should be moved to do and do generously as we have been given, and not something that we look upon as something we have to do. We get to give, as God gave to us!
So have a heartfelt discussion with God and figure out what you need to give, and do it. And remember it is ok to say no to something if you have decided to give to something else. Do not feel like you have to give to everything, but give cheerfully, and joyfully, as God gave to you.
And God gave to each of us lavishly!
aSacredRebel 