Giving To Receive

God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work.
--- 2 Corinthians 9:8

The context of this verse is the encouragement to give generously.  The promise is, that by giving generously, you will receive generously.  Paul is addressing the fact that there were people in newly formed churches that were in serious physical need.  How does this compare to the homeless person who approaches you in the parking lot of a grocery store, asking for money?

Is giving him or her a dollar considered giving generously?  Paul writes in the previous verse that we are to give from what is in our heart.  That we are to give, not wondering afterward if we did the right thing.  That we are to give, not just because a person or preacher told us we must give.  And that we are to give cheerfully.

We should be open and receptive to serious needs that we can help with, using what we have already been blessed with.  We should be willing to give the dollar to the "homeless" person, without judging what they are going to spend it on.  Maybe we should give two dollars, when only one is asked for.  You will be giving from your heart, as long as you give cheerfully.  God will do his will with the recipient.

Lord, teach me how to give within your will.  Encourage me to give cheerfully, until I feel like I'm giving cheerfully.  Having met my needs, make me open to observe the needs of others, whether it is physical or spiritual.  Amen