Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – November 24, 2018
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. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 2 Corinthians 8:2–4
Christians give because they have so much to be grateful for. Our gratitude starts with salvation in Jesus, as He saves us from our sin and saves us from eternity without God. New life in Christ creates an abundance of grace that gives us the faith, love, joy, and hope to represent Jesus to a wandering world. Gratitude begins with God’s goodness.
“What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord” (Psalm 116:12–13).
Those who are grateful are not concerned about what they can get but only what they can give. As gratitude makes its way into the fabric of our faith, we voluntarily engage the needs of others. Perhaps a work associate needs help reaching a deadline, a mission trip to dig a well for the poor needs help, an unwed relative needs a baby shower, or foster parents need a weekend break. Grateful service to the needy grows our faith.
“If you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday” (Isaiah 58:10).
Furthermore, grateful men and women see their service on behalf of God as a privilege. Like a patriotic serviceman, they do not wait to be drafted; rather, they enthusiastically enlist in the Lord’s army. A grateful child of God proudly represents heaven (his home country) in battle against the enemy and in care for the bedridden and walking wounded.
Gratitude gives us a pure motivation to pour our lives into the lives of those seeking God. So we aggressively give because the Lord has abundantly given to us. He gives us peace; so we extend peace. He gives us more money; so we generously give money. He freely gives forgiveness; so we offer perpetual forgiveness. Gratitude actively gives God glory.
“This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God” (2 Corinthians 9:12).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, grow my grateful heart to be reflected by my generous love toward others, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What is the depth of my gratitude to God? Is my giving motivated by gratitude to Him?
Related Reading
Genesis 47:11–12; Psalm 142:7; Philippians 2:25; Titus 3:14
Taken from Seeking Daily the Heart of God v.2
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We aggressively give to others because the Lord has abundantly given to us. #WisdomHunters #gratefulgiver
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