Do you want to learn how to give generously?
You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’” 2 Corinthians 9:6
Generous Father,
You know many of us struggle with giving.
We live in a world that tells us
to take and keep,
to save and protect.
And yet, Paul tells us of the Macedonian Christians
who were
“incredibly happy, though desperately poor” (2 Cor. 8:2).
And they gave generously,
beyond their ability,
because they were so grateful
for what you had done in their lives,
for your “indescribable gift”
of Jesus Christ.
Father, help us to get our heads on straight
about giving.
May we not give out of guilt;
may we not heed poor teaching
that tells us if we give enough
we’ll live healthy and wealthy all of our lives.
May we fully embrace the joy of gospel giving:
you “generously provide all we need” (2 Cor. 9:8).
You give us the seed to make the wheat
to make the flour to make the bread.
You give us strength to work
and work to do
and fair wages to earn.
And most of all, you gave us your Son!
In grateful response,
we give money and possessions and time
to further your redeeming work in the world,
and we do so like the Macedonians,
eagerly and happily.
In the name of your life-giving Son. Amen.
Read 2 Corinthians 8-9.
