PRAISE & PRAYER PROMPT ••• There are countless ways we can give.
From monetary tithes to time and talent, to the material possessions that seem to accumulate in our homes.
You can give gifts of encouragement, gifts of prayer, gifts of patience, gifts of praise, gifts of empathy, and gifts of compassion.
Then there’s the Southern Baptist’s favorite gift—the gift of the casserole.
May we never forget that chicken is the official bird of the Baptists, right?!
In whatever way we are called to give, we all know the admonition from the Apostle Paul that “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
But let’s back up a chapter.
In 2 Corinthians 8:7, Paul wrote, “But since you excel in everything —in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you —see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”
This is the chapter I was reading this morning and the phrase, “grace of giving” jumped out at me.
Isn’t that a beautiful way of wording it?
We all have skills and talents but do we always apply the grace of giving in our lives?
The “grace of giving” was modeled for us by Jesus Christ.
Paul explained in verse 9, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.”
The challenge to us is that we give generously, not to cause harm to ourselves, but to benefit others.
And as we give, in whatever form that takes, give with the cheerful heart of one who has personally experienced the lavish grace of God’s love and compassion for ourselves.
It’s arrogance to think that when God gives us something and it’s not for us to share.
God’s gifts are meant to be given away so that others can enjoy His great goodness.
Today, as you pray, thank Jesus for modeling the grace of giving.
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the heart of a cheerful giver so that you can share with others what God has so generously given you.
