2 Corinthians 9
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”
12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
It seems that someone is always using the expression “for God loves a cheerful giver.” It comes up every time someone wants to tap into my wallet for support of this or that and rarely in reference to any other resource, except money. Usually it is accompanied by a heavy dose of guilt. It always makes me wonder why, when addressing a group of Jesus followers, it is necessary to do more than just explain the need. People who are following Jesus have been directed to take care of the poor and to share the resources that God has blessed them with. In fact Paul claims that righteousness is tied to scattering your gifts to the poor. He says that giving to the Lord’s people is actually a statement of thanksgiving to God Himself. It is in fact “proof” of your faith.
Paul has acknowledged that God wants us to use all of the resources at our disposal, to carry on the work that Jesus has sent us to do. This brings Glory to God’s Name and aids in the spread of the gospel which is so important to God’s people. Why do we hold back? How can we expect to reap generously when we have sown so little?
Father change my heart. Help me to be a cheerful giver of all of my resources. Show me where my resources are needed. Share with me the areas you would have me give of my time and other resources. Help me do my part in carrying on the work of spreading the gospel to all of the nations.
Sixty-six books in a year 