Day 20: Respond in Giving
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 - “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Devotional · · · God desires that one of the ways we respond to Him in worship is by giving. The Bible has a lot to say about money, wealth, greed and generosity. Scripture talks about giving a tithe (the first 10% of our income), about giving a sacrifice, about giving to those in need. The intentional habit of giving reminds us that our only master is God. It reminds us that our security, provision and fulfillment is not in the wealth of this world, but in God alone. He inherently does not require our money. But we have the opportunity, as an act of worship and obedience, to trust Him with our finances by giving a portion back to Him.
In Mark 12:41-44 we encounter a crowd sowing their offerings into the temple treasury. While there were many rich people that contributed larger amounts, a widow of poor wealth gave the only two coins she had. And Jesus said to the crowd that it was in fact the widow who had given the most, because out of a cheerful heart and a spirit that desired to offer her best, she gave literally everything she had. May this challenge us as we give our offerings to the Lord, whether it be our finances, our time, or anything else that the Lord has been so gracious to provide us with.
Prayer · · · Almighty God, we acknowledge that every good thing comes from You. You have promised to meet all our needs from Your glorious riches. We are not worthy of all the gifts You’ve chosen to bestow upon us; but out of Your extravagant love for us, You choose to bless us. As we reflect on this, may it bring us to a place of humility and generosity as we give back to You cheerfully in whatever form it may take. May we give You our best and may we give to You first. Lord, enable us by the working of Your Spirit to be generous with our resources, to be obedient to Your Word, and to be a blessing out of the blessings we have received.