Head: Know God's Word | Heart: Love God | Hands: Follow God's Way

Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Head: 

Have you ever planted a garden? When my kids were younger, we always planted a summer garden. It was so rewarding to watch those tiny seeds grow into tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash. One time we planted sunflowers that kept growing and growing until they were over our heads! And the beans! We were always amazed at how many beans we harvested and how the crop just continued to grow and grow and produce more and more. 

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 says, “Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” Reaping and sowing aren’t words we use a lot today. To sow means to plant something, and to reap means to receive the result of what you’ve planted. In 2 Corinthians, Paul is encouraging his friends in Corinth to give generously because God will meet all our needs and do things we could never imagine with the gifts we give.

Heart: 

Obviously, it is important to share our blessings with others. But HOW we give is just as - or maybe MORE important - than what we give. 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Are you a cheerful giver? Is it easy for you to share your time, money, and possessions with others? Sometimes it is easy for me to give generously, and other times I want to hold on and say, “It’s MINE!” In times like that, I ask God to open my eyes and heart to the needs of others and to help me be the cheerful giver Paul describes in 2 Corinthians. Letting go and giving generously according to God’s leading brings such joy!

Hands:

How is God calling you to be a cheerful giver? You could give of your time to serve at church or welcome a new student at your school. You could give of your baking talents to provide dessert for your House Church or a treat for a lonely neighbor. You could give of your money to purchase school supplies for a family in need or help meet the needs of flood victims in Texas. 

Talk as a family about one way you can sow generously this week!

Check out more tools for your family at the Family Resource webpage!