Generosity
If we wait until we have enough to give, we will never give.
The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others, while they long for you and pray for you because of the surpassing grace of God that he has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! - 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
I have learned something incredible this year.
If I commit to giving more than I have, people will come along to help me do even more.
And when I receive more than I need to fulfill the commitment I made, I can go back out and commit to more.
This is what Jesus meant when he told the rich man to give up all his possessions and follow him. When we have faith, help will come.
God loves a cheerful giver, Paul tells us. A cheerful giver is filled with joy when he gives, and others want to know what brings such joy. He shares his joy and others join in.
We were meant to share, and the more we share, the more abundant God's grace becomes for us and for all. So, this Thanksgiving, while it is unusual and somewhat disappointing, with all of us kept apart, let us remind ourselves of the abundant grace of God.
What we set out to do we will accomplish, with God's help. If we choose to do more than we can possibly do, more help will come.
More to come...