A Cheerful Giver

It sounds a bit like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? And for those that don’t know what an oxymoron is, it’s basically a saying that combines two or more totally opposite ideas. Some examples include the living dead, a deafening silence and steel wool.  (For those who’ve watched Scrubs the last one is especially for you!)

Does cheerful giving belong on that list? Can we really be happy when we’re parting with things that we hold dear, be it money, time, resources? But that is exactly what God calls us to do, and the attitude with which we’re called to do it:

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.“ – 2 Corinthians 9:7.

Yesterday at church marked our commitment in giving towards and serving in ministry for 2012. On Sunday afternoon before the sermon, Years 7 to 10 get together and do bible study, and Daniel provided some pretty meaty passages for us to look at in regards to this often tricky topic. We are called to be good stewards, faithful and fruitful with the things that God has given us. But hasn’t God given us everything?

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. ” - James 1:17.

It’s a pretty poetic way to put it, but it’s true. Everything belongs to God. Even our bodies were bought at a price (1 Corinthians 6:20). In fact, every, single, breath is a gift from our gracious Father. He gives us life. But more than that, He gives us eternal life:

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ” - John 3:16.

He who didn’t withhold His beloved Son, offers us eternity with Himself. When we realise just how big this is, either for the first time for for the millionth, even the little that we have should be offered back to Him with joy that overflows from the heart. I was really encouraged by my Year 9 boys during bible study. There was no tiptoeing around the issue, there also wasn’t a reluctant attitude towards the giving of our tithe, time or talents.

I’m praying, for myself as much as them, that this isn’t just talk limited to a Sunday afternoon, but an all of life attitude that honours God in every situation and season, when we’re rich in money and time, and even more so when we’re poor in those areas. God is big enough to look after us regardless. Let’s step out in faith and give back to the One who gave it all.

Alex

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