Remember this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should do as he has decided in his heart – not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
My words…
Praise
Lord, I sometimes wonder why You created humans – why You didn’t stop after plants, fish, and animals. You knew we would cause You all sorts of grief, yet You gave us life, not because You had to, but because You wanted to. You are a cheerful giver of life, happy to call what You create good. And You didn’t stop after creation. Father, You didn’t have to give Your Son to die. Jesus, You didn’t have to leave the glory of heaven and live among Your creation. Spirit, You don’t have to indwell the hearts of believers. But You are the un-reluctant Giver. You actually want to give to me, to love me, to be with me. Me! Can any concept be more unfathomable yet true?
Prayer for me
As I tread the unseen, spiritual path with You as my Guide, I am acutely aware of my reluctance to give. I am miserly with my free time; I grasp it tightly and give very little away. It is easier for me to throw some money at a need than spend time serving. Why? Because it’s the way I want it. Me, a cheerful giver? Hardly. So I open my heart to You and ask for a measure of Your generosity and cheerful willingness to give. Kindle my desire to sow generously.
Forgive me
Forgive me when I serve others because I feel obligated. It’s like apologizing when I’m really not sorry at all. My heart’s not in it. Forgive me when my acts of giving are like drops from a leaky faucet instead of a fire hose – like Yours.
Prayer for others
Lord, I pray for all of Your servants who give willingly, cheerfully, daily. They get dirty and sweaty. They get tired and hurt. They are ridiculed and exploited. Yet they happily get up the next day and do it all over again. They are more like You than anyone. Strengthen them and send them encouragement in a way only You can.
Thank You
Thank You for Your example of selfless, sincere, joyful giving. And thank You that I am the recipient of it.
More praise
Lord, You are filled with gladness when giving. Open-handed, not closed-fisted. Your grace overflows to me, and I am in need of nothing. I offer my meager praise with much love and, yes, cheerfulness!
