Being a Cheerful Giver

“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  2 Corinthians 9:7

When we think of giving we often think of money, but that is not the only thing we can give.  God wants us to willingly serve others with our spiritual gifts.  This week I’m focusing on the first step, because it is a process.  We first accept the gift that Jesus gave us when he died on the cross.  Along with that gift comes God’s mercy and grace.  Mercy is what God gives us when we sin and ask for forgiveness.  We don’t deserve it, but God grants it to us because of Jesus’ sacrifice.  Jesus took all our sins, past, present, and future and nailed them on the cross. (Colossians 2:14)  Grace is defined in the 1828 Webster’s dictionary as:  “favorable influence of God; divine influence or the influence of the spirit, in renewing the heart and restraining from sin.”  Grace is given to us when we accept Christ:  it is His influence on us that makes us want to live our lives for Him.  God’s love, mercy, and grace can change a person. 

You are a difference maker.  You get to show God’s love, mercy, and grace.  Did you know there are people around you who have never heard of Jesus?  You may be the only Jesus they see.  What a great opportunity to let them look and think they are seeing you when really they get to see a glimpse of Jesus in you.  All you have to do is love.  

I dare you to show the love of Christ to someone.  Tell them about His amazing love, mercy, and grace.  If you take me up on the dare, let me know.  I would love to hear from you. 

In Him,

~Ashley