The Continued Grace of Giving "What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?"
Mark 8:36 (NIV)
All that you acquire in life, comes with a price. If you don't share it and you desire it all for yourself, as a penalty, your soul will be the one thing that suffers for all eternity. Is greed worth the 'eternal' price?
To become prosperous, yet to have a giving heart, comes with many Heavenly benefits.
"But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving."
2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV)
How do you feel about giving with a true heart and mind, expecting nothing in return? Are you ready to exceed man's interpretation and excel in the grace of giving? Giving should never be temporary and should derive from a Christian desire to help others. Giving is something you choose to do, because you know it is the right thing to do, but especially...because you want to please God and not yourself. You are never to give to others for recognition.
"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."
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV)
This is a unique time for giving. Giving to others with a cheerful heart has great spiritual rewards you could not even begin to imagine. To obtain grace while giving, stop and notice for a moment, because joy is found in the smiles of those we give to.
Here are some examples of how you can make a difference by being a cheerful giver:
• Give a child who has nothing a new toy
• Take a meal to a family in need
• Give a stranger gas in his/her car
• Pay an old man/woman's electric bill
• Give food to a homeless person
• Help an animal shelter with supplies
• Buy groceries for a stranger
• Give encouragement to someone struggling
There are many other things you can do as well, but compassion and generosity should always be intertwined. There is a special kind of Christian love that is experienced when you become a cheerful, compassionate, and generous giver. In grace, giving is joy and of God. This is a time to make a difference. What will you do?
Let us pray...
Heavenly Father, whatever I do, whether in word or deed, I will do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Excel me in the grace of giving to others. Let joy fill my spirit with each surprise and smile I receive in doing Your work. By assisting others, I am serving You. Father, I am ready to make a difference in Jesus' name. Amen.
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