For Wednesday

How Much Do I Have to Give to Be Happy

Song of Solomon 5-8:14; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15; Psalm 51:1-19; Proverbs 22:24-25 (click to read)

(2 Corinthians 9) 7 Each of you must make up your own mind about how much to give. But don't feel sorry that you must give and don't feel that you are forced to give. God loves people who love to give.

In our Bible study discussion last night, we spent time talking about and growing in our understanding of how God wants an intimate, trusting child-Parent relationship with us. God does not want our connection to Him defined by rules or even expectations. Rather, God wants us relating to Him constantly, seeking wisdom and help, and putting our real stuff "one the table." These verses about generosity communicate the same principle. God doesn't want to give us rules about handling our money or how we contribute. There are passages that help us understand how vital this area is to our growing connection to God, but God does not want it rule based. Instead, God wants us joyfully choosing to contribute: to His Kingdom work, to relief work, to helping a family member or helping a community partner. It is the joy of trusting God for our needs and next steps that frees us from trusting our wallets. And we grow in our relationship with God when we choose to trust Him for the next steps of our lives. THAT is why God "loves a cheerful giver."

Lord God, You have given me many things to share and release to the good of others. Some of it is the finances in my possession. I ask You to guide my generosity and giving, grow my Trust in You, and establish my connection to You in Faith and the desire to become more like Christ.

(You can download the Pathway 2011 Bible reading list here.)