Grace to Give

Day 282

Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1 - 2 Corinthians 9:15

Before you think I want your money and switch off give me a few moments of your time. Today I find that many believers are frustrated by this topic and don't want to give. My concern is that we have become hard-hearted and moved from the position of generosity they once held. Let me ask you a question I asked myself? Have I become more of a miser as I have grown older or generous? I have noticed that many people have been hurt by people taking advantage of their generosity.

Why is it important that I maintain a generous heart even when people hurt me by taking advantage of my generosity? How do I avoid the heart of a miser from becoming my heart? How do I maintain a generosity that pleases God? Tithing doesn't signify generosity. The tithe belongs to God. As I was meditating on this I renewed my commitment to being a tither. Many may not agree with tithing today due to doctrinal differences. That is not a discussion that will change my salvation so I won't delve into it. What I am after in life is to be pleasing to God. How does a generous heart please God?

Cornelius was not born of the children of Israel. He was a Roman soldier who feared God and gave alms. God sent an angel to give him instructions to get Peter to preach to him and the household. Cornelius and his household were the first Gentiles preached to. An offering that was given consistently attracted God to this man Acts 10. What then are the secrets to maintaining a generous heart?

• Let God be your focus in your giving. Even when you give to a human being in need let God be your focus.

• Give from your heart. Some people give and never release the gift from their heart. They remind you do you remember so and so I did for you; constantly berating you and reminding you of a time you needed help. That is is not generosity but slavery. Don't give to expect service from the person you give to. Cornelius never expected an angelic visitation. He just gave to support the Jews and God honoured him. Stop honouring yourself.

• Don't give expecting a return from man. Let God be your rewarder. My wife likes reminding me that it is better to receive from God than a human being who then can claim ownership. 

• Give joyfully 2 Corinthians 9:6. Don't give to God or people grumbling. That gift will not generate grace.

• Give willingly Proverbs 11:24. Many will arrive and discover that they withheld what should have been a gift to cause a miracle in their own life. 

God desires to release a grace of His children that will provoke sufficiency. God is looking to serve those who give to the poor. He has promised that giving to the poor will draw His attention. My prayer is be remembered as generous for God so loved the world that He gave His only sonJohn 3:16. I will close with a promise God makes to one who helps those who are helpless or powerless.

Psalms 41:1-3

Blessed is he who considers the poor; the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he will be blessed on the earth; You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies. The Lord will strengthen him on his bed of illness; You will sustain him on his sickbed.

Memory verse: 2 Corinthians 5:17,20

Decree:

2 Corinthians 9:8

And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.  (italics mine)