The Way to Give

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-11

“Do you think Chips will be okay?” Sam asked his mom anxiously.

“I think so, but we’ll just have to wait and see,” Mom replied. Sam’s dog had broken his leg, and the veterinarian was setting it in a cast.

“I’ll help pay for the vet bill,” Sam offered. “You can use all the money I’ve saved in my piggy bank.”

Mom smiled. “Thank you, Sam. You can contribute a little if you want to, but we’ll take care of most of the bill. I appreciate your willing heart though.” Mom was thoughtful as she put an arm across Sam’s shoulders. “Remember when we talked a few days ago about giving money to the Lord?”

“Yeah. Mr. Lyndon had just paid me for shoveling his walks, and you reminded me to set aside some of the money for the church offering,” Sam said. “I did, but then it didn’t leave enough for the game I wanted to buy that day. Now I’m glad I didn’t get it. I’d rather use the money to help Chips.”

Mom nodded. “It was a little hard for you to be a cheerful giver right then, but just now you didn’t hesitate to offer your whole savings to pay the vet.”

Sam swallowed. “No, but Chips…I’d give anything to make him better, Mom. Besides, I know things have been pretty tough lately and the vet bill will be expensive.”

Mom leaned over to give Sam a hug. “Your willingness to help pay the bill shows that you love Chips—and Dad and me too,” she said. “When we really love someone, we’re glad to give. That’s how God wants us to give to Him—not because we have to, but because we love Him so much.”

Sam nodded. “Sometimes it’s hard though,” he said.

“That’s true,” said Mom. “But when we remember all Jesus has given us—like salvation and eternal life—it makes us more cheerful givers.”

Just then, the vet came into the waiting room. “Your dog will be fine,” he said with a smile. “It was a clean break, and he’ll heal in no time.”

“All right!” exclaimed Sam. He grinned at his mom. “One more thing God’s given us—an answer to prayer.” • Karen R. Locklear

How About You?

When you receive money, do you give part of it to God? He wants us to give back part of what we’re given, but He wants us to do it willingly. If you haven’t done that but would like to start, first stop and think about all Jesus has done for you. Pray and talk to Him about how much you should give, and then be a cheerful giver.

Today’s Key Verse:
2 Corinthians 9:7 God loves a cheerful giver. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Give cheerfully