“For God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:7

I will never forget the day when God asked me to give away something that meant a great deal to me. In our early years of marriage, my husband bought me a beautiful gold pendant cross necklace. He was in the military at the time, and through seven deployments over a 10-year period, I never once took it off. It was a constant reminder of God’s faithfulness to me in difficult times.

Yet one day, while going for a walk, I sensed God was asking me to give this necklace to someone else. I didn’t hesitate; I can remember walking over to him, taking it off, and sharing God’s love for him. As he proceeded to cry, I put it around his neck and gave him a hug. 

When our hearts and hands are open to giving, they are also open to receiving. When God asks us to give, whatever that may look like, He often has something to give back to us in return that is just as meaningful and special.

A cheerful giver reveals a life of someone who has put full trust in God, believing He is a good Father who loves to bless His children and enjoys watching His children bless one another in return. This is the life God has called us to.

Four months later while opening up Christmas gifts, my five-year-old son handed me a little box. Within it lay a beautiful cross necklace made of bone that he had bought with his small amount of chore money. He didn’t know that I had given away my special necklace, but God knew, and used my little boy to bless me more than I could have even imagined.

You are a good Father: kind, caring, gracious, loving, and eager to bless Your children. May I always be willing to give where You ask me to, and may my heart always be joyous in doing so. Use me to love others the way You love them. Amen.

Take Action

Ask God how He would like you to be generous to someone today. Perhaps it’s being a listening ear over coffee, paying for a friend’s lunch, giving someone a small gift, or sending a note of encouragement. Then act upon it! Watch how the blessing of generosity unfolds the love of God in this person’s life.



Tags: Trust