2 Corinthians, Day 7
An Open Hand
II Corinthians 8 – 9
Key verses: 9:6 – 15
Today’s portion of II Corinthians deals with giving. Not just ordinary giving, but I believe it is sacrificial giving. Some people wonder why they should give at all. Does God really need the money we give? NO! If He did, Jesus never would have commended the poor widow who put a penny into the offering plate over the amount that the rich person put in. So then, what does God desire?
A verse that is part of the Scripture reading for today is one we have all heard before: 2 Corinthians 9:7 — God loves a cheerful giver. What is a cheerful giver? As you give, do you think to yourself that this is money I will never see again? Or is it with a glad heart that you are furthering the work of God’s kingdom to reach others? Of course, we wish for everyone that it is the latter and not the former. And if it is the latter, you are doing the will of God. And if that is the case, does not your heart jump up and down for joy?
How many great stories can you think about where someone gave sacrificially to help someone else? Feel-good stories, aren’t they? You see, it all comes down to a relationship with God. That is God’s desire for us. And by us sacrificing, we are drawing closer to Him. Not only that, but we are drawn into the lives of others as we help them, give and work alongside them, and point the way to God. It is best summed up in Verse 13: “Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves (giving), men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and everyone else.”
So, why does God love a cheerful giver? Because we are doing the will of our Creator and are pointing the way of salvation to those who do not know him. That will put a smile on my face, and more importantly, in my heart every time I give. You know what they say, God loves a cheerful giver!
Dave Kellerman