Reading through 2 Corinthians 9 today where Paul in his letter to the church of Corinth talks about giving generously, I stumble upon verse 7 where it really hit me hard. It says, "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” I was taken away by it because this is something I struggle with sometimes. God places it on my heart to give x-amount of money, I start to think... "Well if I shed a few dollars off that should be ok, right? I'm still paying at least the 10% I should give to the church; I really need to save up for books and bills." So I do this battle with myself of how I can give generously and yet still manage to save money for some of my needs. But, now I've caught myself, I want to save money for MY needs. How selfish of me. We are called to be selfless yet I'm being selfish! The church needs money. The church deserves money. No matter how hard I work and how much I get paid it's not MY money it is GOD'S. He brought me to earth, he blessed me with so much and he is asking for a little. We can never pay for the sins we commit, that's why Jesus Christ was sent down. It was a payment for our sins so we can have everlasting life. So the least I can do is give the money back to GOD which he has placed on my heart to give. After I do it and I see the payment go through, it brings me joy! I'm helping a Church grow and reach the lost! How great of a feeling is that? Praise God for the joy it brings me and for him calling me to do something so awesome! However, I admit, I do at times second guess my decision on how much I gave but then I'm reminded that God will provide! He always has! Just see Philippians 4:19
I've ran into a situation about a month ago where I needed God to provide for me. I had nearly all my tuition paid for this semester but was about $2,000 short. I've looked a scholarships and loans but I wasn't qualifying or I couldn't find a co-signer. So I just prayed to God every night. I struggled with doubts when it came near the deadline where I would lose classes and housing but I kept on praying. Finally a week before the deadline by God's grace I was awarded a scholarship. It covered almost all of it, I just owed about 45 cents and I could easily pay for that. But, the best part was not just being covered for the semester but the growth I experienced.
Keep in mind. Generosity isn't just donating money, giving it to church. It's also about donating your time to people, helping them out, a simple thank you, etc. As my campus pastor Clayton King has said "Generosity is not about your money, Generosity is about your heart" If we can follow those words of wisdom it can bring so much joy to our lives!
Also feel free to view my previous notes on sermon titled Blessed in Finances for further thoughts!
