Friday, October 9, 2009

2 Corinthians 9

This chapter can be summed up in "God loves a cheerful giver." With the gospel in our hearts, money is no longer the master but the servant, and we give to help the less fortunate, not because and the Lord expects us to but because we feel compelled to, not because we want the blessing, but we want to bless them. He promises what we give will also return to us. The amount isn't important, but the willingness is. The widow's mite was considered a far larger donation than those of the wealthy Jewish leaders because hers came from the heart and theirs was done for show. And though it was small in amount, it was all that she basically had. The Lord promised that great would be her reward in heaven and I like to think good things came to her in her life also.

The Lord doesn't expect a major sacrifice with every donation. We're counseled to do all things in wisdom and order, and not run faster than we are capable. A small, but consistently given fast offering adds up to a great deal over time. And over time, as our lives improve, we are gradually able to give more. So in times when can't give a lot, the Lord is satisfied if in our hearts are the words, "I give not because I have not, but if I had I would give. And now, if ye say this in your hearts, ye remain guiltless." In that same chapter 4 of Mosiah is a very interesting promise: "for the sake of retaining a remission of your sins from day to day... I would that ye should impart of your substance to the poor." Giving with the right condition of heart has a sanctifying affect.

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