October 15 | Sunday Morning Mercies Made New

I pray all is well with you this morning, my friends. This morning, I have the privilege of sharing God’s Word at Axe Memorial United Methodist Church in Garland.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;
his mercies never come to an end;
they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

This reminded me of God’s goodness and how His abundant grace and tender mercies are a beautiful example of our sweet Lord’s generosity.

The message today will focus on the Apostle Paul’s exhortation to the Corinthians to continue to give and do good. The verses I am unpacking are found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7.

The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (ESV)

Here are some key points to consider in a deeper reflection on these verses:

Sowing and Reaping: The passage uses an agricultural metaphor to illustrate the principle of giving. Just as a farmer who sows generously can expect a bountiful harvest, a person who gives generously can expect to receive blessings in return. This is not just about material wealth but also applies to spiritual and emotional rewards.

Heartfelt Giving: Paul stresses that giving should come from the heart and not be done out of compulsion or reluctance. God values the attitude and motivation behind our giving as much as the act itself. When we give with a joyful spirit, it reflects our gratitude and trust in God’s provision.

Cheerful Giver: The passage underscores the idea that God loves a cheerful giver. This emphasizes the joy that should accompany our acts of generosity. Giving should not be a burdensome obligation but a joyful response to God’s grace in our lives. It is imperative we keep the right attitude about giving and that we don’t give with resentment burning in our heart.

Personal Decision: Each person is encouraged to decide what they will give. This reflects the individuality of giving and recognizes that our financial situations and abilities to give may vary. It’s a personal choice that should be made in prayerful consideration. Do I think you should tithe? Yes. But, I don’t think you should stop there. Whatever amount you give, you should give it freely and cheerfully, without reservation.

In your daily life, these verses can encourage you to approach your acts of giving, whether it’s material resources, time, or kindness, with a joyful and willing heart. It’s a reminder that generosity is not just about the impact it has on others but also about how it can shape your own heart and perspective.

Preparing for this message, I was reminded that day after day I experience God’s generosity in indescribable ways. I’ve witnessed the mind-blowing generosity of God’s people time and time again.

Amidst the chaos engulfing our present world, it seems far easier to focus on the negative rather than setting our minds and hearts on what is good. Too often, I think we miss seeing the light altogether. Perhaps, that’s due to our sin nature. We need to realign our thinking so that we can fully experience the goodness of God and all the good He has done.

I pray that in the days ahead, you will discover solace in the comforting arms of God. His mercies are new each morning.

Amen.

Prayerfully,

The Devotional Guy™

Rainer Bantau