A Culture of Giving. 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 ESV
The Bible says that God loves a "cheerful giver" - but what exactly does that mean? Sometimes being generous can be difficult and may not seem particularly "joyful." However, just like true "love" and "joy" are a choice and oftentimes a state of mind, cheerful giving is also a choice we can make. The amazing reality is once we begin to have a LIFESTYLE of generosity, those feelings of joy and "excitement" will be sure to follow. Why? Because we will have tasted of the divine joy that our Father has when He HIMSELF gives generously to us.
Reflection Questions:
Would you consider yourself "willing" to give? Maybe you don't have the resources right now but are you at least willing to give whatever it takes to live generously with your time, possessions, money, etc?
Do you have a story of generosity - where you were either the giver or the recipient? How did God use that experience in your life? If you do not have a story like that, begin to ask God THIS week to give you opportunities to encounter someone that you can be radically generous to and see how Jesus uses that.