The world tells us to love those that love us.
Christ tells us to love everyone.
The world tells us to turn the other cheek.
Christ tells us to rejoice in persecution.
The world tells me to save, to hoard.
Christ tells me to give it all away.
A good friend of mine said these exact words to me a few months ago and I will never forget them.
"We have been faithful in our finances, and we have been blessed beyond our expectations."
Isn't that what God promises?
"Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it."
Malachi 3:10
Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.
Deuteronomy 15:10
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
2 Corinthians 9:6
In the book "Crazy Love" by Francis Chan, he presents this challenge:
"Give more than you can manage and see how He blesses you."
This is where it gets personal. I second that challenge. But do not give reluctantly, or out of compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7).
If you have considered giving, or already have given and have considered giving more, I challenge you to stop thinking about it and act. Give generously, and see how God blesses you in return.
My next goal is $6500. I am currently at $3700.
Challenged, Accepted.
