Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them.  The one who contributes, let him give generously.  Romans 12:8

 There was an old man in the small town where I grew up who was quite wealthy.  His life’s goal was to amass a fortune and he didn’t care how he did it.  Was he driven by greed?  Not always.  Fear was also his taskmaster.  He had lived through the depression with his mother and several siblings.  For the family’s survival, he went to work at seven years old to deliver papers so there would be food on the table.  He made a vow never to be poor and his entire life would be shaped by those words.

Paul describes a believer as one who is never stingy.  He loves to give and just can’t help himself.  Perhaps you’re thinking ~  “I don’t give like this.  In fact, far from it.  What’s my problem?”

Like the man who was afraid of having nothing, there are many reasons why we don’t give generously.  Fear of deprivation, fear of giving away something that we’re attached to, fear that it won’t be received, fear that we will get nothing back.  Greed is not always at the center of why we withhold.

The cure is found in Paul’s words.  You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.  2 Corinthians 9:11  God promises, through Christ, to make us so rich that we’ll have no problem giving it away – confident that He will more than compensate.  This morning, perhaps we’ve only just begun to realize what is ours in Christ.

Show me where I’m rich in You.  Amen