Are You A Cheerful Giver
If you read last week’s message about what to do when our minds are filled with worry, then you know that I’ve been struggling with fear when it comes to finances. I know this is what the enemy is using to attack me, so I’ve been praying for the Lord to open my heart and prune it of this fear.
I don’t like giving the devil opportunities to attack me, but he is conniving and will find your weakness and use it against you. This week as I was listening to an online sermon, I felt like God was talking to me. There are times when the Lord talks to us through others, whether it be in person or online, and it is up to us to recognize when this happens.
While I was listening to the sermon, the pastor said, “for God loved us so much that He gave…” We all know this Bible verse, and if you are like me, this was the first Bible verse you memorized as a child. But, the pastor threw me for a loop when he started talking about the difference in the Lord’s attitude and the attitude a lot of us have.
Here is where I felt the Lord smacking my hands. The pastor then said a lot of us have the attitude of “for we love ourselves so much that we keep.” Ouch, that hurt! Did I mention that pruning your heart might be a painful process?
I’ve been trying to be faithful and tithe 10% this year. Tithing is mentioned in the Old Testament, and many think it doesn’t apply to us today, but I have chosen to apply it to my life. But, if I’m completely honest, I don’t always like giving away my money. I want to know what it is being used for, whether they are using it correctly, and how can I know that I can trust them. There are times when my 10% feels like it is too much to give away, and this is where the devil starts to attack me.
How much crap do you have in your house that you don’t use or need? Do you have a garage that is packed, a basement that has boxes stored with stuff you’ve not seen in ages, or maybe you PAY for a storage unit to hold all of your overflows? What if instead of wasting 10% of our income on stuff we don’t need or really want, we used it to tithe instead? I’ve heard it said that the Lord can do more with your 10% than you can with your 90%.
The rational part of me understands this, but the emotional, fearful, and poverty mindset encourages me to hold on to my money just in case I need it later. Most of us get a paycheck or have gotten one in the past, and you’ve noticed the amount of money that is being withheld from it each time. It appears that the IRS wants their money BEFORE it ever hits your hands. I don’t think they trust us to give them their share. Lol!
The great thing about the Lord is He gives all of us free will. Each of us has to make the decision on whether we are going to give. Giving isn’t only tithing; it can be giving of your time, your talents, or even your knowledge. I’ve often said that Joe is much more giving than I am. If someone calls him wanting to buy a truck because they need it for a reason, he will often say, “no, I’m not going to sell it to you, but you can use it as long as you like and as keep it as long as you need.” He has also given away things that people admire or need, although I tell him that most of those things just happen to be MINE!
2 Corinthians 9:7-8
7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
This Bible verse has been on my mind this week. The Lord loves a cheerful giver, and I’m afraid that I’ve been a fearful giver. I feel like He is pruning my heart to turn my mindset around, and I don’t think He isn’t through pruning yet.
I love the Lord, and I feel extremely blessed, so I’m going to keep trying to become cheerful in my giving. I know it isn’t going to happen overnight, but I’m hoping my baby steps will eventually transform my heart. Let me know if you found this post helpful.
To God Goes The Glory!
Have A Blessed Day!
A very inspirational read this early morning!
Thank you ~ I struggle too “ giving” and it’s because of fear. My husband past away and it’s just me now. Being on my own and having to make decisions by myself can be nerve wrecking. God is pruning me too. He’s so patient. God spoke through you today. Thank you.
The verse I go back to is ….. Malachi 3:10. God says to test him. No where else does God say to test him. If we are faithful to Him just think what his faithfulness and blessings to us will be. I too worry struggle with giving my 10%.
You give to each of us everyday with your time and suggestions but especially with the verse you share. You are a blessing
We all have been blessed. We all have more than we would ever need. I’ve been filling bags almost weekly for those less fortunate. These “things” are not what we should be focused. However, it does give us an opportunity to bless others that are not as fortunate. This is a little thing, but it’s something we all can do.
Love your Sunday posts.
This one was very real and thought provoking!!! Thanks for sharing !!
Always good to reevaluate my life and how I give and the way I live !!
Thanks again!!:)
A good instruction for us all. My husband and I served in ministry for years, with many years in the mission field of South America. We have been given much. It’s very humbling through the years to be on the receiving end…..yet a tremendous blessing. We know when the Lord has touched peoples hearts. The blessings come by a phone call or in the mail. Always a huge surprise. Hugs from Heaven!
In the past few years I’ve made a concentrated effort to give tithing of the little side money I make to different ministries and charity. I have been so blessed! The Lord gives back more than I ever give. That’s not why I give…..I’ve just noticed how much it happens. You cannot out give God. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills!
Thx for sharing! ❤️
I do not think you are a fearful giver but a wise giver. You want this money to be used in a wise and helpful way. Know I fall short in this way also. So many blessings given my way–why am I so blessed?
Had a friend, Linda Kay, who passed several years ago who was a cheerful giver. Even had in her car at all times what I like to call her “bag mission”. If she saw someone in need she gave her bags away with healthy snacks, health items (like toothbrush and paste), and a five dollar bill. Her husband said he had to monitor her on this mission because she wanted to put in $100.00.
When she was near passing she told me not to be sad as her soul was in a good place. And indeed it was!
Thank you for this blog. I have many unneeded things in my home that have accumulated over time. The blog is a reminder that I have the opportunity to donate these items to organizations that will pass them on to people who really need them.