SEPTEMBER 23

2 Corinthians 9:7

                  A CHEERFUL GIVER (I)

It is more blessed to give than to receive. This is what the Bible says. Do you expect something return from the person to whom you give things?

Mary knew the next day was Kelly’s birthday. She said, “Mummy, I don’t want to give Kelly anything for her birthday this year.” Puzzled, Mummy asked,“Why?”“She never gives me anything,”replied Mary.

“You know that she can’t afford to give you presents because her parents are very poor,” said her Mummy. “Do you give presents so that you can get some back?” Mary shrugged her shoulders. Putting her arm around Mary, she said, “You will not be happy if you give to get. The Bible tells us that God loves a cheerful giver.”

“What does this mean?” said Mary. Mummy explained, “It says that we should give what is in our hearts. We shouldn’t give what we don’t want to or because we have to.”

After hearing what Mummy had said, Mary said, “Kelly never has a birthday cake. Can I buy a cake for her for her birthday?” That day, Mary and Mummy went to the cake shop to buy a big cake for Kelly.

We should not be selfish with what we have. When we give things to others, God wants us to do so cheerfully. God wants us to help others without expecting any return of favours or presents. This is the way of showing our love for God. God gave us His Son, Jesus as a gift. He also gives us His love and everything we need.

Thought: What kind of giver does God love? What does it mean?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, please keep us from being selfish with what we have. Help us to be thankful that You gave Your Son and give us everything we need. Make us willing and cheerful to help those in need. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.