As we continue in our study on abounding, I want to share this verse with you all. We see here a back-and-forth of giving and abundance between the believer and God.
"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver..."
Whenever I read this verse, I think of Faith Promise giving. I was saved at an early age, and I'm so thankful that my parents encouraged me to give to missions even while I was young. I still remember my excitement filling out the Faith Promise card and then watching God provide money for me to give to missionaries. It was only a few dollars, but that was a lot each month to a six-year-old. I hope that I never lose that excitement about giving. We shouldn't give because we feel like it's our Christian duty, but because we want to deep down in our heart. God loves a cheerful giver.
"...And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things may abound to every good work:"
When we choose to give cheerfully and willingly, God blesses us. He will make sure that we have everything we need, both spiritual and material. He will make His grace abound toward us. That's a wonderful promise! We see here an amazing circle of giving. First of all, God is the One who gives us all things, then we give cheerfully to others, and God gives us blessings and all that we need to continue abounding in good works. And it all starts with us making a decision--purposing in our heart--to bless someone else. That is a key ingredient to an abundant life.
This week, seek for ways to give to others. Purpose to give with a cheerful heart and to abound in good works as God makes His grace abound toward you.
Your sister in Christ,