Daily Devotions
The Highest Motive for Giving
Reading for June 27th: Psalm 74-77
Weekly reading for June 21-27: 2 Corinthians 6-9
For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.
2 Corinthians 9:12
Paul has an expansive view of giving. Not only is he concerned about the physical needs of the saints, he desires that God's name might be glorified and thanksgiving might overflow to God through this gift.
Is that our view? If we saw our giving in this way, how would it influence the amount we give or the manner in which we give?
Earlier in this chapter, Paul says that God loves a cheerful giver (v. 7). Here in this verse he identifies the highest motive for giving and one of the chief reasons we will give cheerfully. When we give with the hope that God will be thanked, it strips away any selfish desire for praise or for reciprocation. Rather, the joy and the pleasure in giving is completely tied to God's honor and praise.
So, look for an opportunity to give liberally. Do this with no hope of anyone finding out who gave. Make the gift as anonymous as possible. Then pray that the one who receives the gift will drop to their knees in humble gratitude to the One who inspired the gift and made it possible.
Father, open our eyes and our hearts to urgent needs that we can help satisfy. And may the gift result in an expression of praise to your name.
