“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 9:7-8 (NIV)
One way to measure how much you understand grace and how much you’re living by grace, look at your giving.
The Bible says, “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 9:7-8 NIV).
Notice the “alls” in that Scripture: “all things,” “at all times,” “having all that you need.” Those are the promises related to the person who’s becoming like Christ. What is Christ like? He is a giver. God loved the world so much that he gave. And as you learn to be generous—with your time, hospitality, money, resources, and opportunities—you start to look like Jesus. Nothing is greater proof that you understand grace than being lovingly gracious and generous to other people and to God.
If you feel tense or defensive when your pastor starts talking about giving, it may mean you don’t fully understand grace. Look at the Scripture again. It says that God loves a cheerful giver and is able to take care of all your needs—all the time, in every way, however you need them.
Here’s the question: Are you going to trust the God who gave his life for you? If you can trust him enough for salvation, can’t you trust him everything he’s given to you, including your finances?
The truth is, you really don’t own anything. God just loans it to you for 70 or 80 years. It’s all his in the first place!
God gives to us generously. Then he says, “Lead a life of gratitude. Be generous in giving.” Does God need your gifts? No. He wants you to become like him. He wants you to have a heart that says, “I can’t wait to give in every area.”
Romans 8:32 says, “Since [God] did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” (NLT).
You can say you love God and sing that you trust God and put him first, but how generous you are with everything he’s given you is where you can show just how much his grace means to you.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
Rick Warren is an innovative pastor, renowned author, and global influencer known for founding Saddleback Church, the Purpose Driven Network, the PEACE Plan, and Hope for Mental Health. He has written several best-selling books, including The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold over 35 million copies in 200 languages. Time magazine named Warren the most influential spiritual leader in America and one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Since stepping down from the lead pastor role at Saddleback in 2022, Warren has continued to inspire people through his Daily Hope Devotional and podcast Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope. His first book in a decade, Created to Dream, was released in April 2023.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
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This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
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