2 Corinthians 9:7, "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully."

Think

We've all heard the saying, "It is better to give than to receive." It's a mantra that we don't fully understand, though, until we are mature. Children, for example, wake up on Christmas or their birthday with great anticipation of opening presents. What they miss, though, is the perspective of the giver. If you have ever given a gift to a child, you have experienced the joy of seeing them open that present. God wants us all to experience that, not just on holidays or special occasions, but every day of our lives. He wants us to give cheerfully, because He knows the joy that comes with it. As our Heavenly Father, God has modeled perfectly for us generosity by giving His very best for us all in Jesus Christ. When we model that kind of generosity in our own lives, we discover the reality that it truly is better to give than to receive. Are you experiencing the joy of giving? Do you give cheerfully and regularly to the only institution Jesus ever built, the local church? If so, you understand what this verse communicates. If not, what is stopping you? Remember, generosity isn't just an action; it's an attitude that brings with it an amazing sense of joy!

Act

Ask yourself a serious question: What is my attitude, my response when I hear someone talking about giving? Does it bring me excitement and joy? If not, take a step that will begin to change your heart. Commit to giving cheerfully and regularly by signing up online at www.FellowshipChurch.com/give. And discover the joy of generosity!

Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for perfectly modeling generosity for me. Help me to live out that kind of generosity in my own life. Use me to show the world around me what generosity truly looks like. And thank You for the joy that will come as a result of it! In Christ's name I pray, Amen.