Joyful Giving

Read Ruth 4

Read 2 Corinthians 9

This is beautifully put: "Paul urges the Corinthians to go with the flow of God's self-giving in Christ by giving themselves to others, so that the downward and outward movement of grace comes full circle in an ascending symphony of thanksgiving. Seeing things in an earthly, me-first way is miserly and petty. In stead, we should open our hands to receive from God and extend them to give to our neighbor. We marvel that in Jesus it is always more and never less and rejoice that God's gifts multiply as we receive and share them." (TLSB p. 1993)

Notice that the proper Gospel-motivation on the believer elicits the joyful response. We are moved by Christ and his mercy. We are rich in blessings of forgiveness and righteousness. This is not a "get rich quick" way of life. We are not promised that if we give 10% to the church then we're going to become millionaires. But we are promised that God will meet our needs, even as we meet the needs of those around us.

So, don't try to get rich by giving money and possessions away. However, if you do joyfully give your firstfruits to the Lord and remember the poor around you, then you will come to know riches beyond compare.

So, for the gift of each day, the gift of every opportunity to be generous, for the gift of supplies for the needs of this body and life, give God thanks today.

Ask Yourself:

For what am I thankful today?

About what am I worried? What comfort do I find in today's reading?

What can I do to show mercy to those around us?

Pray:

We give Thee but Thine own,
Whate'er the gift may be;
All that we have is Thine alone,
A trust, O Lord, from Thee.

May we Thy bounties thus
As stewards true receive
And gladly, as Thou blessest us,
To Thee our firstfruits give!

(LSB 781:1-2)

Study with me tomorrow,

Pastor Jon

Soli Deo Gloria!