Thoughts for another day

Oct. 18, 2013.

Today's verse: 2 Cor. 9:7. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.  (KJV)

(Pls. read the above before you read further.  Thanks)

Giving: what a marvelous thought it is, yet so difficult to do and though many of us think we’re givers, it’s so much fallacious for we hardly give.  I believe the greatest thing we can do is to give, yea like Paul says, not grudgingly but with a cheerful heart.  Not because one is forced to give but because one wants to give.

I must say, when I discuss this issue with people, there’s so much disagreement among so called Christians and the most common argument is, ‘is the recipient worthy?’  Well, what do we know about the recipient, a person who sits on the roadside to beg.  Many say begging is lucrative but when asked to do it, they immediately frown at the suggestion and wonder whether you’re mad to even suggest such a thing.  The other argument that people like me put forward is: Oh, what is the use of giving small coins; rather I will give when I get into the funds and start an orphanage or a night shelter, etc.  So, showing myself a little superior, as a non-giver.  But there are times when I give and I experience such an inner joy.  I never give to the ‘person’ as such but give to Jesus and therefore neither do I seek any returns on it or do I want any gratitude from the person as I know the Lord will never keep any debt and will return what I gave, multiplied many times.   

Jesus loved a giver and someone who gave without thinking of the morrow and with nothing in the kitty…don’t we know how He praised the poor widow who put two small coins into the treasury?  And so, I wonder what Jesus will say to me, if I’m not a giver but go before Him begging for this and that!  All I’ll say is Give: it is a wonderful feeling; far better than saving one’s old shirt for a rainy day than knowing that someone is wearing it and praising God for it.