– Give Generously Out Of A Contented And Grateful Heart
BRD REFLECTIONS:
2 Corinthians 8:16-24; 9 and Psalm 48 (NIV)
(Chan Wai Lup, Chairperson, Discipleship and Nurture)
READ:
2 Cor 9:6-8,10-11 (NASB95)
“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully (NIV-generously) will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed”
“Now 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; you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.”
OBSERVE:
The specific service that Paul had in mind in 1 Cor 9:1 is the financial support of the Jerusalem saints by the church at Corinth. Paul was encouraging the Corinthians to be generous in giving out of a cheerful heart. The call to be generous still remains today, especially towards fellow Christians. We can be a blessing to others because God first blessed us abundantly.
Some of us may not feel we have much abundance to give to others. It is interesting that the Greek word for “abundance” or “sufficiency” (autarkeia) is also translated “contentment” in 1 Tim 6:6. When we are contented with what God has given us out of His grace (which is always sufficient and abundant), our thankfulness will in turn be expressed in generosity towards others.
When we give generously out of a contented and grateful heart, God promises us a bountiful harvest. This harvest has been interpreted by some to mean material rewards. I believe it can also refer to spiritual blessings like a fruitful ministry, salvation of family and friends, and heavenly rewards.
APPLY:
For the past few years, as I slowly reduce my work hours towards eventual retirement, my income has also reduced much. I do ask myself that when I’m fully retired, how much will I be able to contribute towards my tithe and offering to the needy. Some people have suggested that instead of giving money, I can just give more of my time. But is this what God wants me to do?
Today’s Scriptural passage reminds me that God will continue to provide me with “bread” for my personal sustenance and out of His sufficient (abundant) grace, I will be able to be generous in blessing others. The “seed” that God will provide for me includes my finances, my giftings, abilities, my health and more time to serve others. What motivates me to give should not be how much I have, but my contentment and thankfulness to God for what He has given me. The “seed” that I have been given is meant to be sown for His kingdom. If I am willing to generously sow what I have been given, God has promised abundant fruitfulness and spiritual blessings.
DO:
I will be contented and give thanks to God daily for all He has given me: my finances, my giftings, abilities, my health and available time as I move towards retirement.
I will continue to tithe and contribute financially to the needy even when I’m fully retired, especially those whom God specifically directs.
I will be generous with my effort and time spent in blessing firstly my biological family (spouse, children, grandchildren and aging parents) and also my spiritual family in service and spiritual friendship.
PRAY:
My heavenly Father, I am so grateful to You for your provision and enrichment in my life. Out of the rich blessings you have bestowed upon me, may I always think of others whom I can bless. May my 5 loaves and 2 fishes be multiplied to yield a bountiful spiritual harvest of righteousness and thanksgiving to You. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen!
