Today's Passage:  2 Corinthians 9

Verse 7 of this chapter is often quoted when talking about tithing:  "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."  Just thinking that this verse applies only to tithing is very short-sided and robs us of a great blessing of God.  This verse isn't just talking about a generous wallet, but encourages us to have a generous heart! 

Stop for a moment and think about how God has been generous to you.  Think about the love that He lavishes on us.  Think about his unfailing grace that covers all sin.  Think about the mercy He showed us by sending Jesus to die on the cross.  God is the ultimate example of a cheerful giver, never counting the cost or even thinking that some could reject the gift.  God's love and blessing pours out on us.

So, when we love people with a generous heart, we're showing them how God can love them the same way.  Verse 13 tells us that when we love generously, people will see that our love comes from a supernatural source.  Then we get to see that love come into their lives and change them forever!

Thanks be to God for this indescribable gift!