Craig Clouston

The Un-reluctant Benefactors

August 26

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2Corinthians 9:7

As Marie left her mom and dad’s, her brother-in-law, Kenny, gave her a hug and slipped something into her hand. “It’s not much,” he said, with a look that conveyed there’d be no argument. “We figured you guys might be able to use it. And tell Mitch I don’t want to hear any complaints!” he added good-naturedly, knowing his brother-in-law would accept their gift, but might feel a bit uncomfortable about it.  

What Kenny and Irene didn’t know was that Mitch and Marie had made a house payment just that morning, and their checking account had a balance of only $4.25, a woefully insufficient amount to cover the two utility bills that were due for disconnect in three days.  

Mitch and Marie had prayed when making the house payment that God would provide a way to keep them from losing phone service. Thanks to their un-reluctant benefactors there was enough to pay both bills and fill the gas tank! Now they’d be able to go to church on Sunday! 

†

God does not intend for everyone to start handing out money. But He does expect us to extend a helping hand when He asks. God wants to know the answer to this question: “If I ask you to help your fellow man, are you willing to respond without reluctance?”  

Many of us have the means to, yet we hold on tightly to what we have, believing: “It’s my money!”    

The fact is…its all God’s to begin with. We are merely supposed to be good stewards of what we have.  

God is eager to bless others through generous hearts. That’s why He asked Kenny. Kenny wasn’t looking to be blessed; he was looking to be God’s hand of provision. The wonder-filled part is that, although he’d have done it without God’s reciprocity, Kenny got blessed as well.       

Prayer

“Father, when I take inventory of the things I have I realize that You are generous, Your provision for my life is such a blessing. Help me hold on loosely to everything You’ve given me, and ready to pass it along at any given moment. In Jesus’ Name, amen.”