Daily Devotional – Sunday, May 5, 2024
So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7 (NKJV)
It takes more than just giving away what we have to be generous. It has to do with accepting God’s heart. Generosity is a recurring concept in the Bible, suggesting that God is a generous person. God’s generosity has been seen since the beginning of time in the wonder of creation, the plenty of provisions, and the grace shown to humans.
God Loves a Cheerful Giver
Paul captures the essence and spirit of giving when he writes, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Generosity is a heart-centered attitude. It’s the readiness to offer voluntarily, joyfully, and selflessly—not out of duty, but out of love.
By choosing to live a giving life, we take part in the earthly work of God’s kingdom. Our willingness to share what we have, our acts of kindness, and our generosity of spirit can make a big difference in the lives of people around us. Every act of generosity is a chance to show others how much God loves them.
The Reward of Generosity
However, the rewards of generosity do not stop with the people we assist. We can only truly enjoy the satisfaction that comes from living in accordance with God’s purposes when we contribute freely and with enthusiasm. We discover that when we extend our hearts and hands to others, we are frequently blessed in ways we never could have predicted.
Prayer
Dear God, make us channels of Your love and generosity to those around us.