“Freely you have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8b 

 

“We love because He first loved us.” 1John 4:19

 

Giving is a result of having first received from God. Giving is a response of gratitude that demonstrates that God has loved us well. Giving reflects God’s heart at work in us. Giving is God’s nature and so it is to be our nature in Christ. In regards to giving, we desire to be obedient to Christ’s nature at work inside us, and also obedient to Paul’s instructions here:

 

"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 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. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
    their righteousness endures forever.”
10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!     2Corinthians 9:6-15

 

All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need.46 With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart.  Acts 2:44-46

 

We encourage your cheerful heart to be generous and to give freely because you have freely received from the Father. Here are ways to give: