Being Rich in GodSample

God loves a cheerful giver

“And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

Like Jesus, Paul was not afraid to receive. He thanks at length the brothers and sisters who support him. The congregation in Philippi is poor, but that does not stop them from providing Paul with what he needs. And Paul does not say, "Ah, there was no need.” No, he takes the opportunity to explain that they themselves benefit from their generosity: now they will see that God provides for them abundantly. Not only will God see to their physical needs, but they will also receive much spiritually.

God loves the cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). A chain of blessings is set in motion: God enables the giver to give - the generous giver gives - the recipient thanks God for this demonstration of obedience to the Gospel - God provides for the giver again, and so on. Those who give for the advancement of the Gospel will praise God when people come to faith. And those who receive from God have reason to praise Him for His goodness. Those who receive also realize more easily that what they have is not theirs, but God's. How much giving yields: you make God and another person happy through it and you receive joy, gratitude and the desire to praise God.

What are your experiences with giving toward God's Kingdom?