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Giving should be willing and cheerful

Scripture reading for September 28th: 2nd Corinthians 9

Key Scriptures: 2nd Corinthians 9:5-8 “So I though it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the gift you have promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift, not as an exaction. The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”

Paul explained to the Corinthians that he had been boasting about their willingness and readiness to give. To be sure that this was the case, he was sending brothers in advance to arrange for the gift and give time to have it ready when Paul arrived. He did not want to pressure them in person and these men were also not part of pressure. Paul carefully explained to all giving was to be an act of faith from a willing heart. No one was twisting arms. Giving also should be done cheerfully, not grudgingly or with reluctance. God is watching the offerings and those giving and He loves to reward those doing so cheerfully by faith. Paul used the example of planting seed. To harvest a big crop, seed must be sowed abundantly. God brings the increase in the crops planted and He also brings back a harvest from giving into His work. How much do you want to harvest?

2nd Corinthians 10:10 “He Who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.”

Faith confession and prayer: Father God, supplier of every good and perfect gift, and seed for those sowing, thank You for first giving to us that we might be able to give at all. Help me to keep an open hand to give to Your work and to keep a cheerful and faith-filled heart when giving to ministry and those in need. I want to reap a harvest of righteousness and have plenty of seed to sow again!

Proverbs 11:24-25 “One gives freely yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”