Read

2 Corinthians 9:1-8

What story do you want to tell about your finances this year? What if this was the year you got serious about figuring out money? What if this was the year you learned how to set (and stick to) a budget? What if this was the year you started living a life of generosity?

Giving is a part of following Jesus. All the spiritual disciplines are challenging, but this one tends to have an extra amount of emotion attached to it. According to Scripture, the goal is not to give out of obligation but from the overflow of a generous heart. As Paul says in today’s passage, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (1 Corinthians 9:7).

Figuring out finances is one of the first steps to becoming a cheerful giver.

Prayer

Lord, this year I want to trust you with my finances so I can be a good steward of everything you’ve given me. Today I pray that you will show me what that looks like and help me give with a joyful heart. In Jesus' name, Amen.