ROOTED - Friday, July 11, 2025

2 Corinthians 9:7
7 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. 

Reflection: Roots to Fruit Friday
Written By: Pastor Jesse Caro
I know I have mentioned my father so many times in the Rooted Devotionals. He, since I was a child, has always been faithful to give to the Lord. He never gave to the Lord begrudgingly or stingily. I always witnessed my dad give, in the plate as it was passed, faithfully to the Lord. He did so cheerfully and out of joy. I am grateful for his example to me growing up.
Notice Paul’s instruction: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give.” So, our gift to the Lord should be something that we decide on, in our hearts. I have seen so many people over the years struggle with giving. What they would do is decide as it were “spur of the moment” whether or not they would give or not to the Lord. They never settled on an amount, or even if they would or would not. Paul encourages us to “decide.” Stop vacillating… make a decision “deep down” and do it. Don’t ride the fence. Make a commitment and keep it.  Once you have done that: give “not reluctantly.” In other words, give in a manner that is committed. Commit and give. Finally, “God loves a cheerful giver.” Paul’s final encouragement is to remind us that God is not fond of people who give with a sour look on their faces. Give with joy, cheerfully knowing that God and His ministry is worth the investment. Dear friend, if you are not giving something to the lord, decide to do it. Make a deep, heartfelt commitment to the Lord. Give and do so cheerfully. You will not regret it!

Prayer
Lord, may we see the joy of giving to the work of the ministry. Bless us for our giving, and give us a deep joy for the work you have entrusted to our care here at Timberlake.