Hilarious Giving
Last week, I had the privilege of attending a Life Action Summit. I love the way God works. On Tuesday evening, the revivalist took a few minutes to share a “living giving” principle from 2 Corinthians 9. The next morning, I found I was reading the same chapter in my daily time with the Lord in the Word!
The First List
As I read it, I pulled out a piece of paper and made three lists based on 2 Corinthians 9. The first was a list describing a giver who pleases God, a “hilarious giver”:
- Eager to help
- Enthusiastic
- A cheerful giver
- Gives what she’s decided in her heart to give
- Doesn’t give reluctantly or under compulsion, but generously on every occasion
The Second List
The second list from 2 Corinthians 9 left my jaw hanging open in amazement. It was some of the promises and benefits givers will experience:
- Whoever sows generously will also reap generously (v. 6).
- God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (v. 8).
- God will supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion (v. 11).
- Men will praise God for your obedience and generosity (v. 13).
- Others will pray for you (v. 14).
Why on earth do I hang on to my money (make that His money) so tightly when God makes such grand promises about how He’ll provide everything I need when I give cheerfully and generously to others? I admit it . . . fear makes me doubt He is THAT good.
The Third List
Right then, I asked God to make me one crazy generous giver, and began to compile my third list: a list of people I’ve thought of giving to . . . wanted to give to . . . but never have. Then, I proceeded to have one of the most fun days ever! I decided to take every opportunity I could to give to others. One small opportunity presented itself while I was at a gas station cleaning the windows of the borrowed van I was driving (money isn’t the only thing you can give!). While there, I gave to a local organization who was asking for money to provide underprivileged children in the area with glasses, eye exams, and surgeries. Small gifts, yes, but that’s how obedience starts—with the needs right in front of you.
How can you begin a pattern of “hilarious giving” today? Is there an organization or an individual God has prompted you to give to in the past, but you’ve made excuses or delayed obeying? Do you believe God’s promises for those who cheerfully give?
An Opportunity
Would you prayerfully consider giving a gift to Revive Our Hearts this month? We’re trusting God for $350,000 this month, which will enable us to continue this blog and other ROH outreaches. And, if you’ve never given before, your gift will be doubled this month thanks to several generous friends of the ministry! Learn more here.
Wherever God leads you to give, let’s continue to be women who take God at His Word!
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