Love God Greatly - the Greatest Gift Givenნიმუში

Giving from Gratitude

Read: Luke 6:37–38; 2 Corinthians 9

SOAP: 2 Corinthians 9:7–8

Each one of you should give just as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace overflow to you so that because you have enough of everything in every way at all times, you will overflow in every good work.

Have you ever been forced to participate in a gift exchange, maybe at work or with a group with which you aren’t particularly close? Buying a present for your loved ones is fun and easy. You know them, and you want them to be happy with their gifts. Giving out of obligation is a challenge, not only by adding the dreaded “one more thing” to our overwhelmed schedules but also our creativity, attitudes, and resources. 

It’s how we end up with a random assortment of candles, dish towels, and interesting garden decorations that we’ll never display.

There is something special about receiving a gift we know was chosen with love. We open it with excitement and cherish the gift even when it might not be what we expected. God wants us to be cheerful in our giving, not helping others out of a sense of obligation, guilt, or coercion, but from a place of love. 

When we love God and love others, it’s a blessing to meet the needs of those around us. It’s a joy to serve, to give of our time, and share our skills with others, not because of what we can get in return but because it puts to good use the gifts God has so generously given us. It shows others that we care about and honor them more than our comfort.

Giving isn’t always easy. But we can trust that God can do more with the gifts we give than we could ever imagine.

Prayer

Father, I know You love a cheerful giver. May my eyes be open and my heart alert for ways to serve others in this season, willing and able to give generously and with love as I honor others. Thank You for showing me what it means to give everything through the life of Your Son, Jesus. Amen.