The discussion about persuasion from Ted’s blog and my last post also fits into what I’ve been thinking and reading about Giving:
You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give.
Don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure.
For God loves the person who gives cheerfully.
2 Cor 9:7 NLT
Reading this passage this week, I was struck by this verse in particular. How often is giving pushed or forced? How often are reluctant givers goaded and rewarded? Or pressure placed on pocketbooks? Not just in churches, but in every area of society.
I know I am guilty of giving “under compulsion” as one version says. I don’t know what it truly is to give fully and freely. I like to do duties, check off a list, fufill tasks. Get it done. I’m not talking just about paying bills or donating to charities, but my attitude about life itself.
But to have God’s heart about giving is different. It says here that He doesn’t want me to give reluctantly or in response to pressure. He wants me to give cheerfully. He wants me to be like Him. How can I do that? Not just with money but with giving myself, to my children, my husband, people in my life each day.
Something I’m thinking about….
