Verse of the Day -weekend 10/15

2 Corinthians 9:6-7 Amplified Bible (AMP) ⁶[Remember] this: he who sows sparingly and grudgingly will also reap sparingly and grudgingly, and he who sows generously [that blessings may come to someone] will also reap generously and with blessings.

    ⁷Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, "prompt to do it") giver [whose heart is in his giving].

2 Corinthians 9 tells us a great deal about the heart of giving.  In this chapter we see that even though these Christians were dirt poor themselves, instead of coming up with reasons not to give, they looked inside themselves and found reasons to give.  They literally begged for the opportunity to give.  What a contrast to us in this time and place in the United States.

 

As Christians, our giving should be and is a reflection of how God is working in our hearts, encouraging us to give.  This is not just financial, but includes giving of our time for others.  It may be serving in a soup kitchen, dropping of goods at a local food pantry, or helping a family that finds themselves in a tough time.

 

In his book "The Treasure Principle", Randy Alcorn writes, "Christ's grace defines, motivates, and puts in perspective our giving..... Our giving is a reflexive response to the grace of God in our lives.  It doesn't come out of our altruism or philanthropy - it comes out of the transforming work of Christ in us.  This grace is the action; our giving is the reaction."

 

As you have the opportunity to give this weekend, what is behind the giving?  Is it a reflexive response to God's grace in your life or is it reluctantly, grudgingly, or sparingly.  It's another instance where you will reap what you sow.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

Follow the Verse of the Day blog at http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

⁶ Remember this: the person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. ⁷ Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not out of regret or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. ⁹ As it is written:

    He has scattered;

    He has given to the poor;

    His righteousness endures forever.

    ¹⁰ Now the One who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness, ¹¹ as you are enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. ¹² For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God. ¹³ Through the proof of this service, they will glorify God for your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with others. ¹⁴And in their prayers for you they will have deep affection for you because of the surpassing grace of God on you. ¹⁵Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.