“A heart full of gratitude leads to generous living and generous giving.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 19, 2021
And also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them [Jesus and His 12 disciples] out of their own means. Luke 8:2-3
Rita (my wife) is the most generous woman I know. She gives abundantly of her time. Rita meets with younger moms and wives who desperately need encouragement and tools to navigate a very demanding season of life. She loves to systematically give donations to our church and ministries on the front lines of faith for Christ. Every month it brings me joy to watch her gratefully celebrate God’s work by reading every word of every ministry newsletter update. Rita’s capacity to give is a model I aspire to follow. Her generosity is hilariously infectious.
Mary, Joanna, Susanna and many others helped support Jesus and the disciples out of their own means. Why? They were eternally grateful—Christ had changed their lives. He freed Mary from the insidious influence of seven demons. Perhaps Joanna and Susanna were exceedingly grateful to Jesus for healing a family member or forgiving a friend of their sins. These women gave to Jesus because they were grateful to Jesus. Not only did they give financially, but they gave by being with Jesus. Watching Him care for people’s needs—they rolled up their sleeves and served alongside.
“In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability” (2 Corinthians 8:2-3).
You may be in a season of life where you feel limited in your ability to give. You may even find yourself in a situation where you need to be more on the receiving end. Your heavenly Father understands your capacity to give, but make sure you don’t allow your circumstances to define your richness. The magnitude of a gift is not defined by size—but by capacity. Give as much as you are able to give, more than someone who may be able to give more, but who has not given to their potential. Support the Lord’s work and He will do a deeper work in your life!
We start by giving all of ourselves to our Savior Jesus. A life 100% invested in the Kingdom of God enjoys an abundant return on investment in what matters most now and into eternity. Our generosity is not necessarily defined by our greater gifts, but by our larger love for our heavenly Father. A life of love is compelled to give—even beyond our ability. Yes, we are wise to surround ourselves with other generous givers so we can celebrate what Christ is doing around us. Generous loving leads to generous giving. Generous women (and men) motivated by gratitude are fulfilled and flourish!
“They urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us” (2 Corinthians 8:4-5).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, give me a heart of gratitude so I am compelled to give generously, through Christ’s love and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Related Reading
Exodus 36:5; 2 Chronicles 31:10; 1 Corinthians 16:2; 2 Corinthians 9:11
Worship Resource
Mercy Me: I Can Only Imagine
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