Day 83 - Issue 41
2 Corinthians 9.7 NLT
You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
Some years ago, I was involved with the setting up of a new hospice. There was a desperate need to raise funds and, although I had never done such a thing before, I offered to organise a house-to-house collection. I recruited collectors and off we went. It was the most beautiful experience. Almost everyone was not only keen to give but thanked us for going to the trouble of knocking on their door. I am sure that many of you will have been involved in door-to-door collections and have had a very different experience. I certainly have. On occasions, doors have been slammed in my face but, more often, there has been an attitude of indifference and an eagerness to put some money in my box to encourage me to go away!
God loves cheerful givers and it is easy to understand why. He loves to see the cheerfulness because it shows that the giver has understood that they are participating in his ministry to the world, and what could be more exciting than that? In making our gifts we are declaring that we want the kingdom of God to come here on earth as it is in heaven. The person who gives to God with reluctance and a simmering resentment would be well advised to keep the money in their pocket, because they clearly haven’t grasped what Christian giving is all about. When we place money in God’s hands we can expect that lives will be blessed and people will find encouragement and hope. There is plenty to be cheerful about.
Running Premier is a good example of this. It is very costly to obtain the licences to broadcast, and to employ all the staff needed to run the three radio stations, three magazines, a news outlet and a large number of other activities. My prayer is that, as you support this amazing ministry, you will do so with an infectious cheerfulness and excitement. God is at work, and it doesn’t get better than that!
Question: Are you a cheerful giver?
Prayer: Lord God, I pray that you will help me to find ever-increasing joy in my giving. Amen