Sunday, February 19
Day 14: Gratitude-Filled Generosity
READ
REFLECT
The boomerang is a phenomenal object, shaped in such a way that, if thrown properly, can come right back to you. It is much like the law of cause and effect that says, “what goes around, comes around.” Some may call it karma. However, this passage (and many others) provide a life principle that confirms there is some truth to this boomerang philosophy. Paul is not teaching a prosperity gospel; rather, he is saying it generally is true that when you are generous to others, people will more likely be generous to you. You reap what you sow.
Since God is sovereign over the affairs of the world, He can ensure you reap what you sow. When you generously give, God often will bless you when you are generous. However, God doesn’t bless us when we are being generous only so we will be blessed. Our generosity must flow from gratitude. Our generosity must come from a transformed heart that desires to bless others because we love them as God has loved us.
Look back over your week and think about your motives for your generosity. Have you been generous for your own benefit? Or have you been generous so that others can benefit and God can be glorified? Does your generosity flow from gratitude?
RESPOND
Spend time in prayer, following the Upward, Inward, Outward, Upward format.
Upward: Who God is; What God has done, is doing, will do
Inward: Who you are; How you live
Outward: Intercession for others
Today’s Prayer:
“God, I thank you for the generosity you have demonstrated to me over and over again. Stir within my heart a sense of great gratitude that overflows into the lives of others. Purify my heart so that I may express generosity with a pure heart. Father, help us at Pathway to be pure in why we are generous to others. Help us so that our generosity flows from hearts of gratitude.”
Upward: Thanksgiving and Worship
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