giving-living
"He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will reap bountifully." —2 Corinthians 9:6
Some people think that God gives sparingly or bountifully depending on what we deserve. However, God often gives bountifully, no matter what we do. For example, when humanity was giving sparingly, God gave so bountifully that He gave His Son in the Incarnation. Our degree of giving does not so much affect God's degree of giving; rather, it affects our degree of receiving. When we give bountifully, we open ourselves to receive God's bountiful giving. Thus, it is better to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).
Giving is the atmosphere without which Christians cannot function well. When we cut back giving, we begin choking spiritually. We can't catch our breath — the breath of the Spirit. Conversely, when we repent of selfishness and give from the heart, the fresh air of the Spirit fills us, and we begin to breathe freely. When we give, we pray, fast, worship, witness, work, and serve better.
In the world, some people go out and buy something when they're down. In Jesus, we go out and give something to start a revival in our lives. Give! Take a deep breath of the Spirit! Receive!
Prayer: Father, may I be a free, generous, cheerful, and constant giver.
Promise: "Lavishly he gives to the poor; his generosity shall endure forever; his horn shall be exalted in glory." —Ps 112:9
Praise: When feeling her lowest, God always provided an opportunity for Maria to minister to someone in need.
Reference: (Become equipped to Proclaim God's Word to the world at our four-day retreat June 29--July 2. Those with the gift of teaching are called to put their gift at God's service. To attend this retreat or for information, call 937-587-5464 or 513-373-2397.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 5, 2009
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