On the Flip SideSample

When we're kids, nothing is harder to say than, "I'm sorry!" We can grit our teeth and cross our arms until the sun goes down . . . and then comes back up again. Over time, we learn to apologize. When we're older, there might even be tears — but forgiveness is given, and relationships are mended.

What's the difference between these two experiences? At first, we would reluctantly apologize, which kind of takes the meaning out of the apology. Later, we learn to apologize willingly. Paul reminds the church in Corinth that God loves a cheerful giver. When it comes to words, time, and money, we can either give them reluctantly, or we can do so out of a heart that knows grace.

Thinking about the past week or month, have you given of yourself from a place of compulsion or willingness? How can you tell the difference?