Sacrificial Giving

READ: 2 Corinthians 9:6-13 (NIV)

…12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.

REFLECT: 

Harvest season is upon us. For the farmer, harvest is the time and process to gather ripened crops. A portion of the harvest is  stored away for later use, while a portion is sold. If there’s abundance, a generous farmer might donate it to local charities. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with giving from abundance, God challenges us to give from the main crop - not just the extra. He provides us with the resources, and we’re to use them to carry out His works by giving to and serving others. This is sacrificial giving. 

Consider two scenarios: a billionaire begrudgingly donates $10,000 to charity each month because his accountant says it’s needed for tax write offs. At the end of the year, he’s praised for being the top donor and has a section of the building named in his honor. Meanwhile, on the other side of town, a single mother who makes minimum wage, faithfully gives $10 a month to the church offering. She also wakes up early every Saturday morning and makes peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, which she joyfully delivers to the homeless people in her community. No fanfare - just her and an old wagon filled with saran-wrapped sandwiches. Which gift has the greatest impact? 

The world would likely say the billionaire's gift has the biggest impact. Afterall, $10,000 a month can help a lot more people than $10 and a few sandwiches. However, in God’s eyes, because the single mother’s gift is sacrificial, it has the greatest impact - a heavenly impact. You see, God measures the condition of the heart, not the dollar amount. He blesses us with a bountiful harvest to not only sustain us, but equip us to serve and bless those around us. When we give out of need (sacrificially), we demonstrate obedience and trust in God. When we perform godly works and serve others, He gets the glory and thanksgiving. Where His glory spreads,  His words spread.   

RESPOND:

Is there an area of your life where God is telling you to give out of need? This week, take a leap of faith, be obedient, and share what God has graciously given you with others. 

SONG OF THE WEEK:

Lifesong  (Casting Crowns)

-DNelson

11/06/23