Lent message #1: Giving
2 Corinthians 9:5-8 (NKJV) 5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort
the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift
beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a
grudging obligation. 6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reaps
sparingly, and he sows bountifully will reap bountifully. 7 So let each one
give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves
a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make grace abound toward you, that you,
always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every
good work.
This is
a very important message to hear during the Lent season and all year around,
God loves a cheerful giver. Giving
should be a great experience, and a joyous one, and done because God gave to us
first. Yet we at times can give with
alternative motives, not all of us do these things but they look like this:
giving to be noticed (Matthew 6:1), giving to get something in return (Luke
6:35), and giving hoping your works get you to heaven (Ephesians 2:8). The true meaning of giving or any good works a
Christian does is do them without selfish ambition or conceit (Philippians 2:3).
Our
giving and our good works, should bring glory back to God, not to ourselves.
After all where are we without God’s free gift of Christ to us? We are nothing without
Jesus which is why every good work should be done in his name (John 15:4-6). If you think you can’t follow Jesus commands
of praying for your enemies, or giving to those who are unkind to you I want
you to look at a crucifix, and remember Jesus was beaten, scourged, lead up to Calvary
and mocked every step of the way, then was crucified for you , all so you could
have eternal life! After you reflect on what Jesus did for you, remember he
called you to be like him ,and to be different from the rest of the world , yes
that includes giving to the unkind and praying for your enemies (Matthew
5:43-48).
Giving
isn’t necessarily just about giving goods either. Things like clothing, food, shelter, etc. are
all important and you should give goods as your able (James 2:15-17 and Luke
3:11). You can also give your time to those in need and take the time to pray
with them. You can take time to volunteer for your favorite reputable cause to
help others in need. You can give the
greatest name of all Jesus to someone who needs it! (Acts 3:6). Giving comes in all shapes and sizes but we
have plenty in need in this broken world.
I pray
you take this message with you through out lent and even all through out the
year. We are Christians all year around
not just on special occasions. This is
the first of 4 lessons I plan on doing about Lent practices (God willing). Blessings to you in the name of the Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Hebrews 13:16 (NKJV) But do not forget to do good and to share,
for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.
