Give for the right reasons
Dr. Roberto Miranda
(Audio: Spanish)
SUMMARY: In Second Corinthians 9:6-15, the apostle Paul discusses the importance of generosity and giving. He had organized a special offering for the poor in Jerusalem and was preparing the Corinthian brothers to give generously. The Word of God invites us to adopt a generous attitude, resisting the impulse to be conservative with our assets. God has always blessed generous people, and generosity is a pre-condition for God to use us. Our natural position is to grab and save, but God wants us to live generously. As we prepare to present a special thank offering, it is important to understand the beauty in giving to the Lord and the paths it prepares. Last Sunday, a young missionary from Kyrgyzstan visited, and the church raised $3,500 for their missionary trips.
The pastor shares about a recent offering that was collected for a missionary from Kyrgyzstan and how the church raised $3,500. He emphasizes that giving should come from a place of conviction, not obligation, and that God is not ultimately interested in our money. He encourages the congregation to find joy and comfort in giving and to have confidence that their generosity will not impoverish them. The pastor also explains that God blesses us so that we can abound in works of kindness and generosity towards others, not just accumulate more wealth for ourselves. He notes that a generous community generates thanksgiving and praise to God and gives examples of ways the church has been generous. The pastor concludes by reminding the congregation that everything they do should be for God's glory and honor alone.
The speaker encourages the congregation to give generously as a way of expressing gratitude to God. They emphasize that this is a sacred and beautiful gesture, and that it will benefit the church in various ways. The speaker also uses the term "liturgy" to describe the act of giving, and encourages everyone to participate without feeling obligated or threatened. Ultimately, the goal is to bless God's church and express gratitude for his goodness.
The pastor shares about a recent offering that was collected for a missionary from Kyrgyzstan and how the church raised $3,500. He emphasizes that giving should come from a place of conviction, not obligation, and that God is not ultimately interested in our money. He encourages the congregation to find joy and comfort in giving and to have confidence that their generosity will not impoverish them. The pastor also explains that God blesses us so that we can abound in works of kindness and generosity towards others, not just accumulate more wealth for ourselves. He notes that a generous community generates thanksgiving and praise to God and gives examples of ways the church has been generous. The pastor concludes by reminding the congregation that everything they do should be for God's glory and honor alone.
The speaker encourages the congregation to give generously as a way of expressing gratitude to God. They emphasize that this is a sacred and beautiful gesture, and that it will benefit the church in various ways. The speaker also uses the term "liturgy" to describe the act of giving, and encourages everyone to participate without feeling obligated or threatened. Ultimately, the goal is to bless God's church and express gratitude for his goodness.
Let's go to the Word of the Lord. Second Corinthians chapter 9 verses from 6 to 15, words of the apostle Paul where he tells us: 6 “But this I say to you: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.”
7 “Each one give as he purposed in his heart: not sadly, nor out of necessity, because God loves a cheerful giver.”
7 “Each one give as he purposed in his heart: not sadly, nor out of necessity, because God loves a cheerful giver.”
