PRACTICING GENEROSITY
Constant giving helps us not to interact with money from a place of fear
Text: 2 Corinthians 8:8-15
As we recognize God as our source and the giver of all things, we will be more at peace with parting with our money. Like the rich young ruler in Luke 18:18-24, promptings to give might be reminders that God is truly all we need. Being unwilling to part with money might indicate a lack of trust in God to cater for us. Constant giving helps us not to interact with money from a place of fear.
In 2 Corinthians 8, Paul mentions the generosity of the Macedonian churches as an example for the Corinthians to follow. In verse 4, he mentions that the Macedonians gave “...for the ministering of the saints”. In other words, they gave to other saints, despite being described as being in deep proverty (See 2 Corinthians 8:2). The Macedonians were givers at heart. As supplying joints, our generosity is the answer to the prayers of people who might have one need or the other. When we think of supernatural favour or favour in the sight of men, we must not only picture ourselves at the receiving end.
From Mathew 25:-35-40, we see that giving to God is actually giving to the saints, and what counts as being rich towards God is not in the wealth we have amassed, but in them how that wealth shows our value for God as we see in Luke 12:16-21. To dispel the fear of lack after giving, Jesus then tell us in verses 22-31 not to be worried about where our supply will come from. Our Heavenly Father wants us to give without the fear of lack because He will always supply!
STUDY THIS: Matthew 6:19-21
DECLARE THIS: I affirm that my God is a responsible Father. I give without fear of lack, because God is my source and supply! I am generous in giving and I am rich towards God. Glory!
SING ALONG: What a God (Extended) by SEU Worship, ONE HOUSE & Kenzie Walker
ACTION POINT: Give something sacrificially today. Your money, time or gifts.