The Joy of Giving to God

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. 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.
2 Corinthians 9:6

So it's that time again, time to think about your annual giving to your church.

Some of you will take your Intent-to-Give card and just write down the same amount as you gave last year and send it in.

Others will add a dollar or two a week and be grateful you won't be asked to do this again for another year.

Still others will put the form aside to be addressed on another day and it may or may not make it back to the church office.

And there are some who will struggle, wishing they could do more, but afraid to take the leap to make a true investment in the ministry of the church.

This year I am asking you to consider a different approach to your giving.

Spend time in prayer about your giving. Talk to God about it and ask God how your giving might reflect your blessing.

Talk to God about it and ask what God requires of you to do your fair share to support the ministry and outreach of the church.

Talk to God and talk to God some more. Think about your gift to God as a priority in your budgeting. Think about all the good your gift to the church makes for you and those around you. Giving isn't just an event. It is a prayerful process.

You may wonder how you will know when you are pledging enough. The answer is really simple. You will know your gift is enough, that it is what God is asking for, when you break into a smile and feel joy.

I learned about joy in giving from my mom. She gets so excited when she talks about her giving and all the difference her donations make to make the world a better place. Giving to the church and giving to charity make my mom smile with happiness. She knows her gifts plant seeds of hope, of healing, of love, and of justice. She knows her gifts really matter and she gives until she smiles.

If everyone in the church gives until they smile, we will have no trouble raising the $347,000 we need to sustain the ministry of the church. So start praying. Start listening. And may you find joy!

Pastor Meredith




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