MAY 8,   2 Corinthians 9:7

Amanda smiled as she shook the coins out of her piggy bank. “I can give more than I thought for the special missionary offering at Sunday school. I’ll put half of this in the offering and use the other half for some things I’ve been wanting,” she decided happily.

When Amanda arrived at Sunday school, she sat with her friend, Daisy. “My aunt gave me a nice big ang-pow for my birthday,” Daisy said, “and I’m going to put some of it in the offering.” She showed Amanda how much she had brought—and it was a lot more than Amanda planned to give.

Elijah looked at the money Daisy had taken out. “I’ve got that much, too!” he said proudly, and added, “Even a little more.” “How about you, Amanda?” asked Daisy. “What did you bring?”

Amanda blushed. What she planned to give didn’t seem like much anymore. But she had brought all her money along, including what she intended to use for herself. She showed it to the kids, and when the offering was taken, she reluctantly dropped it all in. On the way home from church, Amanda neither smiled nor chatted as she usually did. “Why such a sad face, honey?” asked Mom. Amanda sighed and explained what had happened in her Sunday school class. “I don’t get it,” she said. “I gave more than I had planned to give, so I should feel good about it, right?”

“Not necessarily,” said Mom. “The money you planned to give was of your own free will—God isn’t pleased when we give for the wrong reasons.” “That’s right,” Dad agreed. “It’s best to decide what you believe Jesus wants you to give. Don’t discuss it with your friends. Keep it between you and the Lord. Then joyfully give it to be used for God’s glory, not your own.”

Amanda sighed. “My reason for giving all of it wasn’t right, but God will still bless it as the missionaries use it, won’t He?” she asked anxiously.

“He will,” Dad replied. “You missed a blessing, but yes, they’ll be blessed.”

Thought: Do you give some of your own money to the Lord’s work? Never give to try to impress others; give because you love God and obey His commandments.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me never to give for the purpose of impressing other people. And help me to give generously and cheerfully. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.