Unexpectedly Generous

Daily Reading: 2 Corinthians 8-9

Scripture Focus: 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. (2 Corinthians 9.6-7)

Devotional Thought: Some truths about unexpected generosity:

·       When you sow sparingly, you reap sparingly.  One year I planted a cucumber plant.  As long as I kept it watered, it did pretty well.  But, it barely kept up with demand!  The same thing is true in our Christian lives.  When we hold back on our "investments" – whether they be giving, or praying, or serving or inviting – then our return is limited.

·       Conversely, when you sow generously, you reap generously.  That same year, the story from my tomato plants was different.  I planted 6 tomato plants.  I gave tomatoes away by the dozen!  Spiritually, if I invest time in reading my Bible and praying, I find that I reap great benefits in my Christian character.  The more time I spend in spiritual activities, the stronger I am in my spirit.

·       If our hearts aren’t in it, giving loses its luster.  I don’t like to be “guilted” into giving.  God doesn’t operate that way, either.  God freely gave his Son for us, and he desires that we freely dedicate our lives in return.  And, that includes our spirit of generosity toward others.

·       God loves a cheerful giver.  Some people use this as an excuse to not give: “If I’m not giving cheerfully, then I shouldn’t be giving at all.”  But, it does not say “God loves a cheerful hoarder.”  It is true that you are not happy – and God is not pleased – if you are giving under compulsion.  But, you are even more miserable if you fail to give at all!  A key to Christian “cheer” is to develop a giving spirit!

Today, do something unexpectedly generous, and see what happens.

Prayer: God, you loved the world so much you gave your one and only Son.  Help me to have that same spirit of giving which is in your heart, O Lord!  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 116.1-4

1 I love the Lord, because he has heard my voice and my pleas for mercy.

2 Because he inclined his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.

3 The snares of death encompassed me; the pangs of Sheol laid hold on me; I suffered distress and anguish.

4 Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I pray, deliver my soul! ”