Sunday's Message: Moved with Compassion
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also
reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or
under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
What is my plan for generosity? I will intentionally share my resources.
Be a percentage giver
Acts of Kindness cards
I will intentionally share my time.
Join a dream team
Foster Care (Isaiah 1:17, James 1:27)
I will intentionally share Christ.
Compassion: awareness of the misfortune of another accompanied by the action to relieve it.
See life through the lens of eternity. We are here to invest our lives and make a difference. In order to do that we must stop seeing things at face value. Cease reacting in a purely earthly way and look on a deeper side of things. A more spiritual side. "Do not store up for yourselves treasure on earth...for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." (Matthews 6:19-24)
Generosity leads. Heart follows. We need not be simply reactionary with emotions, we need not wait. Yes, it's beautiful to give when your heart is full or because something moves you but we should be constantly giving to the less fortunate. Whether they need our money, time, or love. Whether they need a shoulder to lean on or someone to encourage them. We must act as if we are always one step ahead of the darkness. One step ahead of whatever will ail our brothers and sisters. "Our hearts of compassion will not grow until we grow."
Experience God's love for myself. This may be the most important thing of all. "We cannot give what we do not have." In order to give love, we must have received it and understood what it feels like. "Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." (Luke 4:47) Open your heart to God. Let him in. Let him fill you with love, hope, and light. Understand that you are a beautiful being with much to offer the world. Let nobody steal that joy from you.
Watch the Generous Series:
Part 1: A Matter of the Heart
Part 2: Purpose-Driven Giving
Part 3: The Generous Life
Part 4: Intentional Generosity
- Cydney