Generous Father,
What a mind-boggling statement about giving.
Frankly, it’s not always what we hear in the church.
Some churches hesitate to speak about giving
because of the fear that people will feel manipulated.
Other churches work the crowd,
twisting arms and loading on guilt.
The gospel frees us from both errors,
laying out the one essential motivation for giving:
You have given us your Son as our Savior.
You sent him into the world, to die on a cross,
so that we might become your children.
You didn’t give him grudgingly;
you didn’t give him “under compulsion”;
you didn’t give him reluctantly.
You gave him with great joy and delight,
knowing that this gift would return to you
the profound joy
of welcoming your children home.
Lord, help us to meditate on this good news
as we consider giving.
As we do, make us cheerful, generous givers,
and give us great joy in the privilege of giving.
In Jesus’ life-giving name. Amen.
Read 2 Corinthians 9.
