Image from wheelsms.wordpress.com
Remember: A stingy planter gets a stingy crop; a lavish planter gets a lavish crop. I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving. God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you're ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it, He throws caution to the winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-living, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out. This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God. Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the bare needs of poor Christians. It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ. You show your gratitude through your generous offerings to your needy brothers and sisters, and really toward everyone. Meanwhile, moved by the extravagance of God in your lives, they'll respond by praying for you in passionate intercession for whatever you need. Thank God for this gift, his gift. No language can praise it enough! (2 Corinthians 9:6-15 The Message Bible)
As we sit down this coming week to give thanks, be mindful of all God has shared with us. If we're honest, it would take a long time to record all things that we have because of God's lovingkindness. But, we should also know that in giving, we are being blessed. The version of the passage above in more recognizable versions has that phrase we hear often: "Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." But, we need to hear what comes after it: "And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written,‘He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever.’ 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 every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us," and it follows the graphic I shared with you this morning, The Cycle of Grace Giving, which proves what I have said also, "We can never outgive God!" The more we give, the more it seems we receive, and praise God for that!
That first meal that brought about images of natives and pilgrims sharing together, was precisely of what God shared with each and how each was able to share with one another, and once seated, they were able to return thanks to God; He is the source of all of our blessings.
PRAYER: Loving God, thank You! As I prepare and join those preparing meals and times with family and loved ones, let me not forget You are the Source, the provider of all good things, and to You we should return our thanks and praise. Keep us mindful of those who do not have those with whom they can sup, or not have anything to eat; give us generous and thankful hearts to share with them. In Christ Jesus we pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Share your attitude of gratitude today! Use money or food to do it if necessary.
Eradio Valverde
