A Cheerful Giver

One thing we learn through God and His Word is that giving to others and also the church is very important to Him. This is taught all throughout scripture and is done for a reason. When we give offerings and tithing unto the church, we do it unto the Lord. When we give offerings to different Christian ministries and outreaches, we do it unto God also. But we must not forget the poor and the homeless. These are people that also need our help. Don’t just pass them by like the rich man did in the rich man and Lazarus parable, for God can see your selfish motives when you just pass these people by without stopping. Now, as to giving to the church, ministries, and to the needy, Paul said, “but this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:6,7) The parable of the rich man and Lazarus is found below…

Luke 16:19-31

Luke 16:19-31 (KJV)
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:
28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

We do not want to be like the rich man who kept everything he had to himself and his family. Unfortunately, many people do this even now and will see the consequences when they die and wake up in hell. That is why a cheerful giver is what every Christian should become. If you are not already, then repent and allow the Lord to start leading you in the ways of righteousness. Paul continued and said, “and God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: (As it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his righteousness remaineth for ever. Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) (2 Corinthians 9:8-10) God has a greater plan for our lives and the welfare of others. We just won’t ever see this unless we let God take the wheel. That means letting Him lead and guide us. This means giving to your church, ministries, and the needy also. God will lead you in all these things, which is doing His will. This is unto salvation.

Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that You will move in each one of our lives. Help us to see the need to give unto others, even our church, different ministries, and of course, the needy. So often are we watching our bank accounts each weekend that we are at church and let the offering basket go on by without giving anything. Many places are now putting out different ways to give on the big screen and we also disregard that. I know that I was one of these people for some time until You pricked my heart to start giving. Thank You for letting me know how important it is to go to a place of worship and to help furnish the costs also. I love what the church is doing and I am grateful to have a hand in it. Lord, I know that different Christian ministries are also needing our help. I watch YouTube ministries all the time and to get these missionaries in all the world, helping the poor, they need money and help. Sponsoring children is also something I love to do and hope that You put this desire in other people’s hearts also. God, one thing that is severely lacking in this world is a heart to give to the poor and the homeless. So often do people let them leave a supermarket without getting everything they need or drive right past a homeless person with a sign. These people need a giving heart to survive. So may Christians come unto You fully, that they may learn what it means to be a cheerful giver. We may not be rich, but what we do give is from the heart. You know that well. I love You, Lord. I trust in You. Amen.