“Share with your sister!” How often have you said that or heard that? Usually a reluctant child obeys and grudgingly gives the ‘smaller’ half of a treat to their sibling. Sharing our wealth with others is hard because it tugs at selfishness and a sense of entitlement within us all. Sometimes we are that way with God who is the very One who has given us the energy, intellect, and inspiration to produce wealth. The apostle Paul wanted to help the believers in Corinth prepare a gift for those in Macedonia and potentially those in Jerusalem who were suffering. Paul writes three chapters on the topic. And finally, he instructs us the attitude we can have when we are generous: give liberally, planned, without reluctance, and not in response to compulsion, and finally… cheerfully! The result is a harvest of righteousness.
Now I say this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows generously will also reap generously. Each one must do just 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 overflow to you, so that, always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; as it is written: “He scattered abroad, he gave to the poor, His righteousness endures forever.” Now 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 everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 NASB
How is my attitude toward sharing and giving? What is my practice? Am I growing in generosity?
God, as this day begins- after a long two weeks of travel, I find myself in Tennessee attending a Christian World View conference. Help me learn and grow as I endeavor to see the world as You do. Use the presenters and speakers to teach and sharpen my resolve to love You and others in Jesus name. I hope my life brings forth a harvest of righteousness through giving and generosity. Please provide all I need so that I might be generous on every occasion. Oh, and thank you that Kasey and Kai’s baby has come into the world.
