Be a Cheerful Giver
I want to take a few moments to talk about something that's really important - giving to others. It's something that I think we can all agree is a crucial part of what it means to be a Christian, but sometimes it can be tough to know where to start.
That's why I want to draw your attention to 2 Corinthians 8 and 9. In these two chapters, Paul is really challenging the Corinthian church to step up and be generous with their resources. And it's not just about giving money - it's about being willing to help others in whatever way we can.
One of my favourite parts of these chapters is when Paul talks about the Macedonian churches. These guys were dirt poor, but they still managed to give generously to support the work of God. Paul writes, "For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord's people." (2 Corinthians 8:3-4).
Think about that for a second - these people were so committed to giving that they were begging for the opportunity to do so! That's the kind of heart that we should all strive to have when it comes to giving.
But it's not just about what we can get out of it. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, Paul reminds us that when we give generously, we also reap generously. He says, "Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:6-8).
So, let's take Paul's challenge to heart. Let's be like the Macedonians and give generously, even when it's hard. And let's do it with a cheerful heart, knowing that God will bless us for it. We don't have to have a lot to give - we just need to be willing to share what we have with others.
However, sometimes it can be hard to give to others. We might be tempted to hold onto our resources, thinking that we need them for ourselves. Or maybe we feel like we don't have enough to give, so why even bother trying?
But I want to challenge those thoughts. Because the truth is, when we give to others, we're actually helping ourselves in the process. When we step outside of our own needs and focus on the needs of others, it puts our own struggles into perspective. We start to see that we're not alone in our struggles, and that there are people out there who are in much greater need than we are.
And when we give to others, it's not just about what we can do for them - it's also about what God can do through us. When we give generously, we're opening up the door for God to work in incredible ways. We never know how our giving might impact someone's life - it could be the thing that helps them turn their life around, or the thing that gives them hope in a difficult situation.
So, I want to encourage you today to think about ways that you can give to others. It doesn't have to be a huge thing - even a small gesture can make a big difference. Maybe you can offer to help a neighbour with their garden, or bake a cake for a friend who's going through a tough time. Or maybe you can give financially to a charity that's doing great work in your community.
Whatever it is, I encourage you to do it with a cheerful heart. When we give with joy, we're not only blessing the people we're giving to - we're also blessing ourselves. And remember, it's not just about what we can do in our own strength. When we give, we're partnering with God in His work in the world. So let's go out there today and be the hands and feet of Jesus. Let's give generously, love extravagantly, and trust that God will use our small acts of kindness to make a big impact in the world.
I want to leave you with one more thought. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus tells us that when we help those in need, we're actually helping Him. He says, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." (Matthew 25:40).
