2 Corinthians 9:6-7 "A Cheerful Giver." Word of Grace Devotional with Pastor Joe Marquez.

6/8/2015

The Word of Grace Devotion for the Week of June 8, 2015

A Cheerful Giver

2 Corinthians 9:6-7, “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Beloved, it has been said that in this world there are two types of people, givers and takers. The takers eat better but the givers sleep better! In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 we find three characteristics of Christian giving which help us to learn not only how much to give but the importance of having the right heart in giving. The first characteristic is that Christian giving is generous; the second is that it is willing; and the third is that it is cheerful. There is something for us to learn about all three.

In the matter of generosity the Apostle Paul holds out the principle, “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” That is, if you give just little bits here and there, that is the way you get it back. This is true in spiritual things as well as in material things. But on the other hand, he says, if you give generously, you will reap generously. It is obviously a generous spirit that he is holding forth.

The second characteristic to Christian giving is that we possess a willing heart to give. Giving is always a matter of the heart. It is not the amount that God is concerned about. It is whether there is a generous disposition and whether one is anxious to meet the needs of others out of whatever one happens to have. Therefore Paul says, “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart.”

The third characteristic to Christian giving is that it be done, “not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” Beloved, when we give we should not only give generously and willingly but also hilariously! God loves a cheerful giver.

One more characteristic to Christian giving is this: giving is a matter of trust. When we give, can we trust God to meet our own needs? Beloved, I have learned time and time again that indeed we can trust the Lord. So we can give, generously, willingly and cheerfully and reap the beautiful promises and blessings God has for us as we give. We cannot out give God!

I pray that you will have a blessed week! I love you and I will be praying for you!

In Christ,

Pastor Joe

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Senior Pastor
Joe Marquez

Beloved, we are soon to once again celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the human Son of man and the divine Son of God. He is one hundred percent human and one hundred percent God.

While there were many people instrumental in the birth of Christ, this morning we will look at His birth through the eyes of Joseph, His legal father. There is not too much known about the man who would care for Christ as He grew up. We know that Joseph was possibly a carpenter but most importantly we know that he was a righteous man who did the right thing.

When others would have ran away from a responsibility that was not even their own, Joseph stood steadfast and remained faithful to the end. We can learn much from his character and apply his attributes of faithfulness, purity, and perseverance to our own lives.

May you have a Blessed Christmas week and may Christ always be at the center of your lives!

P.S. Come back this evening as we look at the birth of Christ through the Gospel of Luke!