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Anointed Profit for May 2017
How to become a Cheerful Giver
In the book of second Corinthians 9:7 Paul writes that everyone is to give according as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly, or out of necessity; For God loves a cheerful giver.
Here we have an opportunity to follow Paul’s instruction in obeying God as we seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and live our life in the way God instructs us. As we do, we end up being pleasing to God our Father which puts us in position for receiving more and more of His grace and power.
When Paul said we are not to give grudgingly, he is referring to our attitude toward God that can develop when we feel forced into giving. The feeling of being forced into giving causes us to give grudgingly. When this happens, we no longer are giving out of compassion for the lost and love toward God, but out of fear of the consequences if we do not give. This fear can bring torment, worry, and stress.
Paul also said that we are not to give out of necessity. Here we are instructed not to give only because we feel compelled when presented with overwhelming needs in getting the gospel out to everyone.
The thing to keep in mind is that God shows favor toward cheerful givers. A cheerful giver does not give in order to get rich. A cheerful giver does not give grudgingly because he fears the consequences if he does not give. And, finally, a cheerful giver does not give out of necessity when shown great needs of others.
A cheerful giver is grateful for his relationship with God and gives because he is in love with God, His kingdom, and God’s ways of doing things. A cheerful giver is motivated to worship God with his giving and trusts God to take care of him. As it is written in Psalms 3:5-6, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.
When we are cheerful givers, we are obeying God. Set yourself free from the torments and fears that are associated with improper giving by becoming a cheerful giver, for God Loves a cheerful giver.
Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all (I Timothy 4:15).
Marinating in His Love - George Dillon
Cornerstone Ministries
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