Day 3–Cheerful Giving Produces Thanksgiving
Scripture reading for April 15: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, 11-12 “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.” . . . .“You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.”
Some people struggle to give their money or time and talents to others in need. They are stingy and give reluctantly fearing lack themselves. They find it hard to serve others voluntarily and use their own energy or resources to bless those who cannot help them. This stinginess results in a diminished harvest back to them. God’s Word declares that if we sow (give) sparingly, we will reap sparingly.
But God, Himself, sets the example for us. He is a lavish giver to all. He sends His blessings of rain and grain to the just and the unjust. (Psalm 65:9-13) He instructs us that if we sow abundantly, we will reap abundantly. This can be giving money, but it is also our time, our energy, our talents and our love and care. When we give, God promised that all grace will abound in our lives and we will have plenty more to give in the harvest coming our way. God loves a cheerful and abundant giver.
But another harvest is also produced when we give cheerfully. The people we bless are thankful and thank God and us for our giving. God is blessed by the thanksgiving, and He in turn pours out more blessing on us. As responders, we can apply these truths every time we respond to a call for help. We give our time and talents voluntarily with joy and thanksgiving. As we sow abundantly, the thanksgiving will flow and blessings from our work as well. What a way to live in abundance!
Prayer: Father God, I want to sow abundantly of my time, talents, and resources to produce a harvest of thanksgiving to You. Thank You for the promise of abundant harvest to multiply thanksgiving. Amen.
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