IF YOU WANT TO RECEIVE, THEN GIVE

BIBLE PASSAGE:
Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give,
not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
(2 Corinthians 9:7)

MEDITATION:
The greatest blessing we receive from faithfully and obediently giving to
the Lord is not on the ‘financial side’ of the ledger, but on the ‘spiritual side’.
We discover how it feels to be faithful and honest with God.

We receive an awareness that we are in partnership with God,
that we are doing something constructive, and
that we are working with Him to reach the world for Jesus Christ.

We also develop the ability to hold on loosely to the world’s goods
because the eternal values are always in our view.
Too many people focus on “giving up” the 10% God commands of His
followers, instead of the “retention” of the 90% God has blessed them with.

When God requires something from believers,
it is not a suggestion, but a command.
His commands give us the chance to “prove” that our faith is genuine.
We should be thankful for these opportunities to show the Lord (and ourselves)
that we are sincerely and obediently following our Savior.

His commands are not similar to taking some bad tasting medicine
that will make us feel better in a few days.
God loves us and cares for us, so whenever we obey His commands,
we open the door to enjoying the blessings He has for us.

ACTION:
If you have been giving God the leftovers of your substance and your life,
you have been missing the true joy and blessing of Christian giving and living.
If giving to the Lord is not a joy and feels more like going to the dentist, then
you are trying to get your satisfaction in life outside of a relationship with God.

How do you give? Is it liberally and cheerfully, or is it sparingly and grudgingly?
If you have not already,
then give the Lord an opportunity to bless you for being obedient to Him.
The blessings He provides are much more than financial gains.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, forgive me for giving You the leftovers and not
the ‘first fruits’ of all You have given me. Forgive me for my
disobedience to Your commands for those who love You. Change
my focus and attitude so that I will become the cheerful giver You
love. Create in me a desire to improve my relationship with You
through obedience of Your command to tithe. Thank You for all
You have given me and help me to develop a new appreciation
for Your blessings.”

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