What steps can we take to ensure our enthusiasm for giving remains strong? Seeing Giving Through God’s Eyes “For I know your eagerness to give … your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action.” (2 Corinthians 9:2) • Enthusiasm springs from conviction that giving is God-designed, not humanly manufactured. • Psalm 24:1 reminds, “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof,” so every gift is simply returning what is already His. • 1 Chronicles 29:14 echoes, “Everything comes from You, and we have given You only what comes from Your hand.” • Keep this ownership perspective before the heart; zeal wanes when giving is viewed as loss rather than worship. Feeding Enthusiasm with Remembrance • Regularly rehearse personal stories of God’s provision. • Write down answered prayers and unexpected supplies; review them before each act of giving. • Deuteronomy 8:11-18 calls Israel to “remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you the power to gain wealth.” Memory fuels motivation. • Psalm 116:12 asks, “How can I repay the LORD for all His goodness to me?” Grateful recollection turns duty into delight. Fanning the Flame through Testimony • Paul told the Macedonians about the Corinthians; testimony multiplies zeal. • Share concrete examples of generosity in small groups, newsletters, family devotions. • Hebrews 10:24-25: “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together …” • Celebrate giving victories publicly; joy is contagious. Guarding the Heart from Drainers • Worldly worry cools enthusiasm. Jesus warns, “You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24). • Practice contentment (1 Timothy 6:6-8). Reject comparison and covetous advertising. • Pray Psalm 119:36 over yourself: “Incline my heart to Your testimonies and not to covetous gain.” • Keep accounts transparent; integrity protects eagerness from shame or doubt. Practicing Regular, Purposeful Giving • 2 Corinthians 9:7 urges each to give “what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion.” Decide in advance. • Schedule first-fruits giving as soon as income arrives (Proverbs 3:9). • Use envelopes, automated transfers, or budget categories labeled “Kingdom.” Routine guards against forgetfulness. • Malachi 3:10 attaches promise to planned generosity: “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse … and see if I will not open the windows of heaven.” Looking to Christ, the Supreme Giver • 2 Corinthians 8:9 anchors every exhortation: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” • Fix eyes daily on the cross; costly love begets cheerful giving. • Acts 20:35: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Jesus spoke it; experiencing His blessing keeps enthusiasm alive. • Revelation 22:12 promises reward: “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me to give to each one according to what he has done.” Future joy strengthens present zeal. Stay mindful, stay grateful, stay connected, stay guarded, stay intentional—and your enthusiasm for giving will remain vibrant and strong. |
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