Cheerful Giver
Each of you should give what
you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under
compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7
READ 2 Corinthians 9:6–15
Nicholas, who was born in the third century,
had no idea that centuries after his death he would be known as Santa
Claus. He was just a man who loved God and genuinely cared for people
and who was known for giving cheerfully of his own possessions and doing
kind deeds. The story is told that after learning of a family who was
in great financial distress, Nicholas came to their home at night and
threw a bag of gold through an open window, which landed in a shoe or
stocking warming by the fireplace.
Long before Nicholas, the apostle Paul urged the believers in Corinth
to be cheerful givers. He wrote to them about the great financial needs
of their brothers and sisters in Jerusalem and encouraged them to give
generously. Paul explained to them the benefits and blessings that come
to those who give of their possessions. He reminded them that “whoever
sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously
will also reap generously” (2 Corinthians 9:6). As a result of their
cheerful generosity, they would be “enriched in every way” (v. 11), and
God would be honored.
Father, would You help us to be cheerful givers not only during this
Christmas season but all year long? Thank You for Your incredible
generosity in giving us Your “indescribable gift,” Your Son, Jesus (v.
15).
By Estera Pirosca Escobar |
Where do you see a need you could help with this week? How could you give generously of your time or resources?
Thank You, giving God, for encouraging me to
be generous because in Your economy, generosity will bring the giver
and the receiver abundant blessings. | | | | |
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
Second Corinthians 9:6–15 encourages giving
by noting its benefits. However, the idea of “sow[ing] generously” in
order to “reap generously” (v. 6) isn’t meant to inspire giving with the
intention of having God bless us for our own gain. Instead, the
objective is that when God blesses us for giving, rather than hoarding
what we receive for ourselves, we in turn give more, so that our
“generosity will result in thanksgiving to God” (v. 11). When we choose
to give, we’re to do so cheerfully (v. 7), for a cheerful giver reflects
the generous heart of God.
Julie Schwab
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