the big give-away
"Everyone must give according to what he has inwardly decided." —2 Corinthians 9:7
Jesus told us it is better to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). Most people don't believe this because they haven't given by Biblical standards.
The Bible tells us to:
- give bountifully (2 Cor 9:6),
- inwardly decide to give (2 Cor 9:7),
- give cheerfully (2 Cor 9:7), and
- give secretly sometimes (Mt 6:3).
Because the Lord gave His all for us by even dying for us on the cross, we should give all to Him — not just all our money and possessions but all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mk 12:30).
When we give in imitation of Christ, we experience more happiness in giving than in receiving (Acts 20:35). We want to give even beyond our means (2 Cor 8:3), all that we have to live on (Lk 21:4). At this point, we will need for the first time to hear Paul's warning not to go overboard in giving but to give only to the point of equality (2 Cor 8:12-13). We will give until the first world and the third world are equal, and then there will be one world.
Prayer: Father, may I give as if other people's lives depend on it — because they do.
Promise: "He will multiply the seed you sow and increase your generous yield." —2 Cor 9:10
Praise: Veronica has volunteered full-time for Presentation Ministries for over twenty-five years.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 22, 2007
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