JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Key Element for Thriving Relationships is Cheerful Giving.
When appealing for financial support for Christians in need, the Apostle Paul said to the church in Corinth.
“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.”
Paul was not telling them to send a certain amount of money. He was giving them the liberty to give lavishly. There is something that enriches our heart when we give with a cheerful attitude. It is not the obligation that we have to give, but the opportunity that we get to give. Giving out of a sense of delight in the Lord is a sustainable way to excel in the grace of giving.
Cheerful Giving is a key element for thriving relationships that honor God.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – In the Year of Endurance, today’s Daily Challenge motivates us to give to God with a cheerful heart.
Second Corinthians 9:7 tells us that God loves a cheerful giver.
The Gospel motivates us to give out of delight rather than mere duty. That’s because God gave His very best to us when He sent Jesus to the world. Jesus went to the cross and offered His grace willingly, not begrudgingly.
God’s love for us moves our heart to places of gratitude, praise, and giving to others in need.
Second Corinthians 9:11 says, “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” That’s how cheerful giving can bless others and lead us to a place of blessing.
Take the daily challenge to walk as a cheerful giver on the journey of faith.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
JOHN SHIRK – Today’s Good News Focus is on Second Corinthians 9:7.
“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.”
The Apostle Paul was appealing for generous gifts to help other Christians in need. But he was not appealing to their sense of obligation. Rather, he was appealing to their sense of generosity to give what they wanted to give. If I am forced to give, I am giving out of duty. If I give voluntarily, I am giving out of delight.
In verse 8, he said, “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
It is refreshing to know when our offerings to God are building up the church and helping people in need. The Gospel inspires us to consider the needs of others, and to honor God with our wealth.
Jesus is our Source of Good News, leading us to places of generous and cheerful giving in the Year of Vision.
John Shirk
john@wjtl.com
