Scripture Reading
2 Corinthians 9:6-7
The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Reflection
The word translated "cheerful" is hilaros in Greek — the root of our word hilarious. God loves a generous person who actually enjoys giving, not one who gives through gritted teeth. Generosity is a spiritual practice that frees us from the grip of scarcity thinking. What would it look like to give today with a lightness of spirit?
Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, I desire joy in the inner man, and Your Word warns us to be on our guard against all kinds of greed and covertness, knowing that life does not consist in the abundance of our possessions, but on our deepening relationship with You. And so I pray that I will be kept free from this toxic attitude of heart, which can too often steal our joy in the Lord and break our close communion with You.
Thank You that in Your presence is the fullness of joy, for You alone are my abiding hope and in Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Keep me looking to Jesus and away from the enticements of this world, and may Your joy and peace flood my inner being, knowing that the joy of the Lord is my health and strength. In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Thank You that in Your presence is the fullness of joy, for You alone are my abiding hope and in Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Keep me looking to Jesus and away from the enticements of this world, and may Your joy and peace flood my inner being, knowing that the joy of the Lord is my health and strength. In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Amen.