God at Work from James MacDonaldSample

The Grace of Giving True or false: Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The answer: true, but don’t go looking for the verse in the Gospels. Tucked away near the end of the book of Acts, we learn from a first-hand witness that it was Jesus who coined that familiar phrase. This important concept of generosity is woven throughout Scripture. Second Corinthians 9:6 says, “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” God flows grace to the generous heart. Some people look at other’s lives and wonder, “Why don’t I have what they have?” They may speculate on all the horizontal reasons, but I can tell you why. The flow of God’s blessing into their own lives has been plugged up by their stinginess. They are not experiencing the grace of giving. One of the most important decisions you make as a believer is to give your tithes and offerings to the Lord’s work. God knows what you give. Every time that offering plate comes down the aisle, He sees you take that huge step of faith, cheerfully giving what you can. You may say, “How will I get by?” or “If I give to God, who’s gonna take care of me?” I’ll tell you who—God will! Do you think you can out-give God? No. He may bless you financially, or in answered prayer, or in health and strength. But no one can out-give God. No one. Prayer: Father all that I am is Yours, all that I have is Yours, all that I hope to be, God, it’s Yours and it’s nothing to me. Give to me that generosity. Help me to trust that You will provide all that I need as I give to You for Your work here on earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.