DECEMBER 5 – Reading 339

by John Christian Pra | December 5

“BECOMING A CHEERFUL GIVER”
(2 Corinthians 9:1 – 13:14)

“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

Did you know that giving is one of the most formative acts of worship in our Christian life? At the beginning of this year, the Lord was stirring me to grow in generosity. To be willing to give of my time and my resources more freely and joyfully than I was before. At first, this felt difficult because the world and our flesh teach us to hold tight to our resources out of fear of there not being enough. 

This is one of the oldest lies the enemy uses to keep us bound in our tiny little kingdoms. Hoarding never leads to a joyful or fruitful life. As the opportunities started to come for generosity to be shown, I struggled a bit at first, but began to trust the Lord more in the process. Each decision loosened the grip of fear over me. I’m still in the process of growing in generosity. Aren’t we all? But something amazing has shifted in my heart. Now, when opportunities for generosity show up, I’ve been excited to be able to give instead of worrying about the personal (and often selfish) ramifications. 

Paul is teaching the Corinthian church that generosity is one of the greatest gifts God gives to us. In fact, our God himself was so generous that He was rich and became poor so we could become rich instead (2 Corinthians 8:9). Generosity is one major way we grow in Christlikeness. 

And the good news is that the more we sow in generosity, the more we reap and see God’s hand at work in our lives. This spiritual law of sowing and reaping has brought joy to many saints throughout history and is available to you today.

So what are you waiting for? Get giving! Joy is on the other side. 

Reflections:

• Is generosity difficult for you? Why or why not? Examine this with the Lord.

   

• How does Jesus’ generosity stir your heart to be more generous?

Application: 

• Ask the Lord to open up doors for you to practice generosity. When those moments come, ask the Lord to help you step out in faith.

   

• Begin to see what ways you could increase in generosity towards others. Examine your budget and calendar to see how you can sow into God’s Kingdom. 

Closing Prayer:
Jesus, you became poor so I could become rich. How great you are! Thank you for your generosity that has brought me life. Fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I can grow in generosity and become more like you. Forgive me for hoarding what you have freely given me. I stand against the ways of this world which teaches me there is never enough and that I need to protect myself. I ask for a generous spirit that leads to a cheerful heart. Amen.