In yesterday morning’s sermon we walked through 2 Corinthians 9 and talked about giving.
As for the title of the blog, God loves a hilarious giver. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, the word for cheerful is “hilaros,” from which we get our English word “hilarious.” Think about how happy and cheerful that is, to be a hilarious giver!
We Christians give because God wants and commands us to help others, whether they are Christian or not. We are to help those who are vulnerable. And if we are hilarious about it, that’s better! God loves the world, and we should be prime examples of it!
Blessing is proportionate to giving. It’s like farming: your harvest will be proportionate to the sowing (2 Corinthians 9:6). God does not intend for us to be sparing. Generously toss the seeds everywhere!
Speaking of tossing everywhere, let’s look at 2 Corinthians 9:8-11. When you thankfully acknowledge God as the source of all things, you will naturally be more giving. It’s His stuff, He has plenty, and He knows what He wants to do with it, so why not disperse the blessings abroad?
Related to dispersing, we are blessed so that we can bless others. We are to be channels for blessings to flow through, not cisterns to collect them and sit. When you know and believe God will supply your needs and then some, you will be open-handed with the blessings He sends through.
Giving involves more than money and resources. Giving of yourself and your time is just as important. As for the blessings you receive in return for any giving, they will be more than just monetary and temporal!
And remember: Nothing can compare to God’s generosity towards us! Realizing that makes us better givers as well. God gives freely to all, so shouldn’t we be the same?