God's Glory Church

“Let everyone give as his heart desires… for God loves the one who gives with joy!” — 2 Corinthians 9:7

Brenda was walking to the exit of the shopping center, when suddenly her attention was drawn to the pink color that was visible behind the glass of the window. She came closer and stopped, admiring the “caramel-colored cotton coat.” Oh, Holly would love that! Her friend, a single mother, had financial difficulties. Brenda knew Holly needed a warm coat, but she could never afford to pay that much for one. After some thought, Brenda smiled, took out her purse, and ordered the coat to be delivered to Holly’s house. To this gift, she added an anonymous card: “You are loved a lot!” Brenda was literally jumping for joy as she walked back to her car.

Giving at God’s prompting brings joy. The Apostle Paul, urging the Corinthians to show generosity, said: “Let everyone give as his heart desires – not in sorrow and not under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:7). He also noted: “He who sows generously will also reap generously” (v. 6).

Sometimes we put money in the donation plate. Sometimes we make online donations for a specific ministry. And sometimes God prompts us to show His love by caring for the needs of our friends. We give a bag of groceries, pay for a gas station… or buy a pink coat as a gift.

Who can you show God’s love to today? How can being generous fill you with joy?

Loving Father, You gave us Your Son, and we also want to sacrifice for others. Help us to respond to Your prompting to meet the needs of our neighbor.

Author: Eliza Morgan