giving

Proverbs 4, Mark 7, 2 Corinthians 9, 2 Corinthians 10

 

Proverbs 4:18-27 is solid!

 

In Mark 7, Jesus teaches about inner purity.  Interestingly, He provides an illustration that giving "religiously" instead of taking care of your parents is wrong.

 

Curiously enough, 2 Cor. 9 also speaks about giving:

 

6 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 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." 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 9 As the Scriptures say,

   "They share freely and give generously to the poor.
      Their good deeds will be remembered forever."

 10 For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.  11 Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. 12 So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the [people you give to] will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.  13 As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 14 And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. 15 Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving the greatest gift of all - your Son Jesus Christ!  Please show me how you want me to give, and teach me to obey the Holy Spirit's leadership in my life.  I pray that I will glorify You in my giving, and that you will be pleased with my cheerful attitude.  I pray that I will always give in humble adoration of Christ's sacrificial death.  I pray in Jesus's Name.  Amen.