II Corinthians 9: 7 – So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
There is always much talk about giving and getting around Christmas, however, I feel it is not a conversation just for holidays or birthdays. It should be how we live out our faith every day – giving to others cheerfully.
Whether we consciously think about it or not, we are giving something to someone (or several someones) every day. We give of our time and skills at work. We give food and affection to our families. To our pets. Heck, we even give time to the television! Hopefully we are giving some of our time to God.
The question is are we doing all of these things cheerfully? If I am honest, I must say that sometimes I give grudgingly…I give because I have to, not because I want to.
However, when I am giving cheerfully…it causes love to well up inside of me! I feel the happy emoticons going off in my heart and in my head! It’s cheesy but true. And since God loves when I cheerfully give…I want to do it more!
What can you give cheerfully this Valentine’s month? Time, skills, cupcakes? Who can you give to that maybe you would not normally think of? Mother-in-law…brother-in-law…co-worker? I am not saying it has to be something all bedazzled in hearts and flowers…but just think about how you can spread a little sisterly (or brotherly) L.O.V.E. cheerfully this Valentine’s. See if your heart doesn’t just bloom!
