How much is enough?
by Pastor Mark Gierus
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You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:11).
When it comes to giving, how do you go with that? Would you say you give from the leftover stuff you have, or would you say you give because you can?
If you won a substantial amount of money or inherited it, what would you do with it? Do you ever play that game thinking about how you would spend a large amount of money you received? New car? Pay off debts, mortgage, and school fees, buy new clothes, take holidays (in our more limited COVID travel context), or simply put it in the bank? But would you give some away?
What does God say about giving? Do you need to give a percentage? Or what you promise, no matter what? You see, it is not about the amount, nor is it up to you and me to judge what others should be giving either. Saint Paul reminds us today to give what we have decided to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion. This is about cheerful giving.
God wants us to give and to be generous but cheerful in the giving. If it is not money, give your time cheerfully. If it is a skill that someone else needs, share it with a cheerful heart. And if it is money, give what you decide cheerfully, not guilted into an amount by others.
God will enrich us day by day, especially by his word, so we can be generous with the gifts God gives us. Yes, I am talking about worldly things but also the gift of God’s grace, mercy and love, which we can share generously with others around us.
Start with a generous heart in everything you do, and God who is faithful will give you all you need to do the work he sends you to do in Jesus’ name.
Gracious Father, you give us so much. Help us give generously in all things – our time, our talents, and our treasures, knowing that you have first given to us. Thank you that while we were still sinners, you generously gave us your only Son, Jesus, to suffer and die for our sins. Bless us in all we do. Amen.
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