TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
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. 2 Corinthians 9:7
Read: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Listen: 2 Corinthians 9
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The Apostle Paul wrote today’s verses about a specific offering he was collecting for the poor in Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 16:1-4). He highlighted the importance of the heart, giving us the famous phrase, “God loves a cheerful giver.” This is part of why we talk regularly as a church community about generosity. It matters to God.
We all know how easy it can be to have a heart of generosity but not follow up with a plan. Moving toward a lifestyle of generosity requires our heart working in concert with a plan that incorporates small steps of faithfulness done consistently. However, a life of generosity is not just about our finances. We must also be generous with our time, talents, grace, patience and many other things.
As we consider the shift to a lifestyle of generosity, we may be surprised for God to use this attitude shift to impact our hearts radically. God may be pleased to soften our hearts and make us more aware of the needs around us. So, whether we are in a season of unemployment, underemployment or plenty, we can be people who make a plan and give with increasing joyful generosity in this new year. God can use our small steps of faithfulness and generosity to bring himself glory and bless those around us.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
We begin a new series January 9/10 called The School of Contentment. It’s a series about us and our stuff. Commit to engage with this series and ask God to move in your heart. A great step you can take toward a lifestyle of radical generosity is to join a nine-week small group to help you towards financial freedom and generosity called Financial Peace University. Find more information online.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
