2 Corinthians 9:7
You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”
Life Lesson
Today’s word (Word Of Reflection Daily) begins with Paul reminding Corinthians about their promise to help financially Christians in Jerusalem. Saying also in Verse 5, “So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly.”
In meditating over today’s passage the questions which speaks to my heart hope are many. Moreover, the thought which comes to mind is how we give matters more to God than how much we give. In other words, when giving are we doing so out of obligation or in kindness with compassion. Furthermore, are we giving only from our surplus because of worry, lacking faith and believing that we may not have enough and not trusting to God to provide for our own needs. And, are we doing so generously with a cheerful heart (with love as our motivator) rather than reluctantly maybe out of peer pressure instead.
Hence, my take away today is to reflect on the parable of a widow’s offering, often and as necessary. For it is a timeless and always relevant reminder. Mark 12:41-44 summarizes it succinctly well saying,“Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.””
wow : )
Thank you Ken!