“But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.”
2 Corinthians 8:7 (NIV)
As the year comes to an end, most people spend time reflecting. When you look at your year, your conclusion should be that God has been good to you. It may feel like you don’t have everything that you need now, but are you alive? Has the gospel prevailed this year? Have you seen the goodness of God this year? Have words been spoken over you this year? Then that’s more than enough reason to be grateful.
You serve a God who declares the end from the beginning (Revelations 1:8, Isaiah 46:10), who is not constrained by time, who knows and holds tomorrow. That’s more than enough reason to be grateful.
Our position should always be one of thanksgiving, whether in the beginning or at the end of a thing because we know God is faithful always.
Jesus showed us a perfect example of giving thanks when things are not perfect. In John 6:9-11, Jesus gave thanks even when the bread didn’t look like it was enough and he broke the bread and distributed it, and it was more than enough!
This is the same attitude we should have when we give; because we understand that God is our source and everything we have comes from Him. We know He is capable of multiplication; therefore, we are not scared to give (Jeremiah 30:19). You should not wait for all the conditions to be perfect or for you to have your dream salary, before you start to give and appreciate God’s goodness.
Giving is part of our worship. It’s one of the ways we honour God and acknowledge that He is our source and He is Lord over every aspect of our lives, including our finances (Proverbs 3:9).
Our giving is so important because we understand that for the gospel to spread to the whole world, we would need money. It matters to God that everyone is saved, therefore it should matter to you. Let your giving and spending reflect your faith.
Dear believers, we should give freely and not out of compulsion (2 Corinthians 9:7), but there should be an intentionality in your giving. You can grow in this grace of giving. We have a gospel that must spread to the world, and you have an important role to play.
We have rounded off our Bible Reading Plan for the year. If you are yet to finish, take the rest of the year to catch up. We are cheering you on!