Tag Archives: 2 Corinthians 9:7

August 11th 2023 – Sharing and Giving Selflessly

Leave a reply

In our journey as followers of Christ, it is essential to recognize the incredible gift we have received through His love and grace. As Christians, we have been blessed with forgiveness, salvation, and a personal relationship with our Savior. This life-changing experience is something that should never be taken for granted.

However, it is equally important to understand that our blessings are not meant to be hoarded or kept to ourselves. Instead, we are called to pay it forward and bless others with the love and kindness that we have received. This act of selfless giving not only impacts the lives of those in need but also serves as a reflection of our gratitude towards God.

In 2 Corinthians 9:7, we are reminded that “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.” This verse emphasizes the importance of giving with a joyful and willing heart, rather than out of obligation or duty. When we give selflessly, we emulate the character of Christ and becwwwome vessels of His love in the world.

John 13:34-35 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”

In these words, Jesus not only emphasizes the importance of love but also sets a high standard for how we are to love others. He instructs us to love as He has loved us, which is a selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional love.

Moreover, Matthew 25:40 teaches us the significance of recognizing the presence of Christ in those who are marginalized or in need. Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” This powerful statement reminds us that our acts of compassion towards others are, in fact, acts of service to God Himself. When we extend a helping hand, lend a listening ear, or offer our resources to those in need, we are demonstrating our love for Christ and fulfilling His call to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Therefore, let us embrace the opportunity to share and give selflessly. Let us seek out ways to bless others, not only in material ways but also through our time, talents, and genuine care. Whether it is supporting a local charity, volunteering at a homeless shelter, or simply showing kindness to a stranger, every effort counts.

In doing so, we not only make a difference in the lives of those we touch but also experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living out our faith. Let us remember that our purpose as Christians is not only to receive but also to give and share the love of Christ with others. May we be known as a people who recognize the presence of Christ in those who are marginalized or in need, and who respond with compassion, generosity, and a heart that seeks to bless others.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for the countless blessings you have bestowed upon us. As we come before you today, we humbly ask for your guidance and strength to embody the spirit of selfless sharing and giving.

Lord, you have shown us the ultimate example of selflessness through the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ. He gave His life as a sacrifice for our sins, displaying a love beyond measure. Teach us to emulate His selflessness in our own lives.

Help us to put the needs of others before our own, to be willing to share what we have, and to give without expecting anything in return. Open our eyes to the opportunities around us, that we may recognize the needs of those who are less fortunate and extend a helping hand.

Lord, we pray for a heart that is generous and compassionate, that we may always be willing to give of our time, resources, and talents. May we never hold back in sharing the blessings you have entrusted to us, knowing that everything we have comes from your loving hand.

Grant us wisdom in discerning where our giving can make the greatest impact, that we may be good stewards of the gifts you have given us. Help us to seek out those who are overlooked or forgotten, and to extend a loving hand to them.

Father, we ask that you transform our hearts to be filled with joy and gratitude in our acts of selfless giving. May we find fulfillment and purpose in sharing with others, knowing that we are fulfilling your commandments and spreading your love.

In all that we do, may our actions reflect your love and grace. May we be a living testimony of your selfless love, so that others may be drawn closer to you.

We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen!

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click Here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

August 30th 2016 – Locate Your Spiritual Passions

Leave a reply

“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?–unless indeed you are disqualified.” (2 Corinthians 13:5)

Paul tells the church of Corinth to “examine themselves as to whether you are in the faith.” In the same way today we should take some time to examine ourselves as well. In the military before soldiers go into battle, two soldiers will stand in front of each other and check to make sure they are each equipped for the battle.

Do you know that you are in the battle, spiritually speaking?

Since we are in a battle, obviously at times we need to examine ourselves. So what does it look like for us to examine ourselves to make sure we are in the faith? I see these as “Spiritual Passions”, or more appropriately the spiritual disciplines to help us examine our lives in Christ. At times, we should take a look at these passions or principles to see where we are spiritually with the Lord. Taking a survey, if you will, of each principle and rating ourselves on a 1-to-10 scale: 10 meaning you are walking in this maturely and 1 pointing to the need to step up in this area.

Let’s look together at these:

Worship – This is not something you do at church on Sunday mornings, but worshiping the Lord in everything we do. Whether you are at work, home with your family, or serving in your local church these things are a form of worship. “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Read/Study – As we grow in Christ our main point of hearing from the Lord is through His Word. We want to be followers of Jesus, and the best way to do that is having our noses in the Bible “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2nd Timothy 3:16)

Fellowship/Family –  Fellowship is a great privilege, possible whenever it occurs; in church, Bible studies, prayer meetings, home groups, with roommates or family. It is how God meets our needs–it is His “supply line” “For wherever two or three people have come together in my name, I am there, right among them!” (Matthew 18:20)

Prayer – Jesus died not for just our sins, He died for a relationship with Him. There is nothing more important than a life of prayer. ” Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed. Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven” (Psalm 107:28-30)

Serving – If you have received Christ in your life you are called to ministry. The term “full-time ministry” is really misused as we are all in full-time ministry. We get to serve the King of kings with the gifts that He gave to us as the church. “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) 

Giving – We see scripturally the practice of the tithe to our local church body, but more than being concerned with the financial aspect of that is giving away our selfishness. We are called to support the work of the ministry whether through the tithe or offerings. “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. ” (2 Corinthians 9:7)

Evangelism/Discipleship – We get to share the Gospel, invite people to church and help raise others up in the faith. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20)

Where are you with these Spiritual Passions? Looking at these passions in our personal walk will help to identify areas of weakness in our lives. Once we see the weaknesses, then we begin to grow in our relationship with Christ because we want to be more Christ-like.

The Bible is clear that our salvation is by grace alone, through faith, by Christ alone. These are just great disciplines to help us examine whether we are in the faith. Remember, we are all growing in Christ and are in different areas of that growth so extend grace to yourself and extend grace to others.

Take this opportunity see where you are at right now in your walk with Christ.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving me enough to sacrifice Your Son to be able to wash away my sins and have a relationship with You. Thank you for Your Word that shows me the way to live a Christ centered life. Thank you for Your Spirit that allows me to live a life that shows You to a lost and dying world. Please help me to continually examine my life and make sure I am not neglecting one of these areas of spiritual growth. In Jesus name. Amen.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click Here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org