Giving Challengeნიმუში

Day 2: Jesus Gives Happily

When most of us think about giving, we usually think about what it is going to cost us. It's true, giving takes our time, our resources, and sometimes even our energy and comfort. But when we look at Jesus, we see a completely different approach. Jesus gave not with reluctance, but happily.

The author of Hebrews tells us, “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2, NIV). The cross was brutal. Yet Jesus didn’t see it as a loss. He saw it as a worthwhile trade. His life was given for the world He loved. The joy before Him wasn’t in the suffering itself but in what His giving would accomplish: our reconciliation with God, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life for all who believe.

Jesus explained this joy to His followers, saying, “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:11, NIV). The greatest act of giving in history was motivated by joy. Jesus didn’t give to impress anyone or because He had to. He gave because it brought Him joy to see us welcomed back into God’s family.

Paul writes, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9, NIV). Jesus gave up everything so that we could gain everything in Him.

When we give, we have the opportunity to reflect this same kind of joy. Too often, we approach giving as if it were paying a bill, something we “owe” and can’t avoid. But Jesus shows us that giving can be a cheerful act because it connects us to the heart of God.

The world tells us that happiness comes from getting more. Jesus shows us that true joy comes from giving more. His happiest moments weren’t when people served Him but when He laid down His life in service to others. If we want to be happier people, we must learn to give like Jesus.

Challenge:

Make a short list of three times you’ve seen someone give joyfully. Maybe it was a parent sacrificing for their child, a friend serving when it wasn’t convenient, or a stranger helping someone in need. Reflect on how their joy in giving impacted you, and then ask God to provide you with that same joy as you follow His example.