Reading
SAA Notes
Giving! While this is an area between each of us and the Lord, we should be challenged by verse 6 and look boldly at what motivates us. Thanksgiving to God for His indescribable gift is the motivation behind all true giving.
SJA Notes
* Dear God, may our hearts be open to hear Your word to us today.
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
There is much encouragement and rebuke both for us in this passage, and in this single verse.
We can be found on the receiving end of someone compelling us even if we are reluctant to give of means/time/energy.
And we can be the ones trying to compel others into what we see as “giving”.
More time spent doing things at church! More effort needed in the activities! We’re not getting enough people and so we must not be putting in enough effort!
This truth from God’s word, that He loves a cheerful giver – It must resound through our lives.
Choose to give, and give cheerfully!
Jesus tells us in Luke 6,
“But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return,”
This is the heart-attitude we must have.
We can be a cheerful giver because we have been given so much!
* Father God,
Thank You for the gift of eternal life, a hope that cannot be taken away.
Thank You for the gift of salvation, our great debt paid in full.
Thank You for the gift of Your Son Jesus, our great Saviour, King and Lord.
Amen.