SEPTEMBER 16, 2025

 “Money is not the only commodity that is fun to give. We can give time, we can give our expertise, we can give our love or simply give a smile. What does that cost? The point is, none of us can ever run out of something worthwhile to give.” 

― Steve Goodier

PROVERBS 30-31

5“Every word of God is flawless;

he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

6Do not add to his words,

or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar. (30:5-6)

2 CORINTHIANS 8

1And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.

JOURNAL 

Scripture reminds us that every word of God is flawless and trustworthy (Proverbs 30:5-6). That includes His commands about giving. God doesn’t call us to give out of abundance alone; He calls us to give in a way that costs us something. That is when giving becomes love.

Paul writes of the believers who, even in “extreme poverty,” overflowed with generosity (2 Corinthians 8:2). They gave “beyond their ability” not because it was easy, but because their joy in Christ moved them to see giving as a privilege, not a burden. Their sacrifice was evidence that their hearts were first surrendered to God, and then open to others (2 Corinthians 8:5).

This shows us that true giving isn’t measured by the size of the gift, but by the willingness to let it cut into our comfort. Sacrificial giving demonstrates trust that God will provide, that His shield will protect, and that His Word will stand. If giving never costs us time, convenience, or resources, then perhaps it is not love but charity without heart.

Jesus Himself modeled this perfectly. Love cost Him everything. The cross was not comfortable generosity, it was complete sacrifice. When we give in ways that stretch us, we reflect Him.

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:8-10 that salvation is the free gift of God, not earned by our works. But as those who have received grace, we are God’s handiwork...created to walk in good works He has already prepared for us. Those works will always involve giving of ourselves, because love cannot exist without sacrifice.

 8For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9not by works, so that no one can boast. 10For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

EPHESIANS 2:8