Are You A Cheerful Giver?

The Bible speaks of giving in all of its forms. Many Christians will refer to Numbers 18:26 when asked about giving: Speak to the Levites and say to them: ‘When you receive from the Israelites the tithe I give you as your inheritance, you must present a tenth of that tithe as the LORD’s offering. Churches and congregations will base their giving off of the "10% rule". Although there is nothing wrong with this model (after all it is found in the Bible!), there is so much more biblical truth we can take from this subject that goes beyond a monetary percentage.

As God's creation, we have the ability to give of ourselves in multiple ways. Along with money (which belongs to God in the first place) we also have the ability to give of our time and our attention. In a world that seems to be lacking in both, perhaps these two gifts are just as valuable. In your day that is full of non-stop schedules, when was the last time you freely and cheerfully gave of your time and atttention to someone without expecting something in return? A random text or phone call to let them know you were thinking of them. A simple thank you card sharing your appreciating for someone. Or even better, meeting with and sharing time in person. I am thankful that Otsego First Baptist Church is full of cheerful givers :-)

2 Corinthians 9:7 tells us, Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly*, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. Each day we are provided the chance to give. Do we do so willingly with joy in our heart? Or, do we do so out of guilt or a sense of having to? God not only expects us to give, He also wants us to enjoy doing so...

Pastor Aaron