A Cheerful Giver

“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” II Corinthians 9:6-7

Paul wrote these verses to the church at Corinth concerning the offering they were raising to help those in need in the church in Jerusalem. This was something they were doing beyond their tithes and offerings to their local church. He advised them to let the Holy Spirit show them what they should give and to do it cheerfully.

We who love the Lord must be faithful in our giving to our local congregations.

Malachi 3:10 “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

God also blesses us when we support our churches beyond our tithes, with offerings for Missions, Building Funds, and other needs that may be presented.

This past year I have kept a record of ways in which I have blessed others as the Holy Spirit have led me. On the opposite page, I have recorded the ways the Lord has blessed me in unexpected ways. The amount I have received in extra blessings far outweighs what I have given. I do not give for this reason, but for the spiritual blessings I receive in knowing that I have been a blessing to someone else.

Why not try it this year? Ask the Lord to open your eyes to the needs around you and let Him direct you in the way you can be a blessing. Do not tell anyone else about it, just let the Holy Spirit guide you.

“But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” Matthew 6:3-4

Prayer: Thank you, Heavenly Father, for all the blessings you have bestowed upon us. Help us to pass along those blessings to others, giving generously and cheerfully, guided by your Holy Spirit.

Devotion by Anne Johnston