Revelation of the Word:

THEME: CHEERFUL GIVER

1 Corinthians 13:3 NIV

“If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”

INSIGHT

–Cheerful giving must be driven by love. Love for God and one another is the foundation of our faith, and faith without works is dead (James 2:26). How can one say that they love God Whom they do not see yet hate their brothers and sisters whom they see. God has commandment us saying, “he who loves God must love his brother also.” (1 John 4:20-21).  

SUMMARY

Cheerful in Hebrew is written as “samach” which means to rejoice and be glad. Give in Hebrew is written as “nathan” which means to give or offer. Therefore, a cheerful giver offers something delightfully and not grudgingly. Giving can be in form of resources, times, expertise, etc. Giving is not easy and requires the grace of God. Jesus encourages us today that even if we face tribulations in the world, we should be of good cheer for He has overcome the world (John 16:33). A cheerful giver gives generously, and He is loved by the Lord. We participate in cheerful giving by first showing kindness and compassion to the poor and we are rewarded in return (Proverbs 19:17). Secondly, we are encouraged to give as the Lord guides us, in any situation whatsoever as when we give it will be given to us, and whatever measure we use, it will be measured to us (Luke 6:38). For whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously (2 Corinthians 9:6-15). Thirdly, we engage in generosity through giving our tithes, offerings and gifts to the church. The poor widow was applauded by Jesus for giving more than all those who gave to the treasurer for in her poverty, she gave all that she had (Mark 12:41-44). By giving to the church, we ensure there is plenty in God’s treasury for advancing His kingdom.

PRAYER

Almighty King of kings we come before Your throne this day. We come to exalt You and honor You for there is none like You. You are mighty and faithful. You are worthy to be praised and worthy of all we can give. Father, we repent every time we have not pleased You, every time we have not been generous and kind even to the needy. Where we have not been givers even sharing Your love Lord Jesus to others, may You forgive us. May You cleanse us and sanctify us by Your precious blood Jesus. May You teach us Your ways oh Lord and impart us with Your precious Holy Spirit. May You fill us afresh till we overflow. We pray for Your wisdom and guidance that we may never miss our ordained opportunity to give. We pray that You shall accept all our giving and all our offerings as a sweet-smelling aroma unto You oh Lord. We trust in You and look unto You oh Lord. As we give may we not be seen but may You take all the glory and all the praise. We surrender all unto You and magnify You. Our Father who art in heaven; hallowed be Your name; Your Kingdom come; Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptations but deliver us from evil; for thine is the Kingdom the power and the glory; forever and ever. May You bless us and keep us dear Lord Jesus. May You shine Your face towards us and be gracious unto us. May You show Your countenance unto us and give us peace. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with us now and forevermore. Amen

Further reading: 1 John 4:7-8

Blessed Weekend

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