Lent message #1 : Giving

                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.