SEPTEMBER 23, 2 Corinthians 9:7

It is more blessed to give than to receive. This is what the Bible says. Do you expect something in 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 in return,” 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?” asked Mary. Mummy explained, “It says that we should give what is in our hearts. We shouldn’t give when we don’t want to or because we have to.”

After hearing what Mummy had said, Mary thought aloud, “Kelly never has a birthday cake. Can I buy her a cake 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 our tithes and offerings to God we must do so cheerfully and willingly. Likewise, when we give to others we should also give cheerfully and willingly without expecting anything in return. This is the way of showing our love for God. God gave us His Son, Jesus as a gift. He loves us and provides everything we need.

Thought: What kind of giver does God love? What does it mean?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me to be a willing and cheerful giver. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.