There's Rewards in Giving!

Giving: to cause to have or receive
Rewards: something given in return for good or evil

Giving can touch other people's lives in ways that some of us may never experience. It can also expand our circle of concern to include others. Besides that, the bible tells us that God loves a cheerful giver: "But this I say... He which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Every man according as he purposeth in his heart; so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).

Consider this - even God Himself gave - and I'm not talking about the multitude of things that He gives us daily. He made the ultimate sacrifice - He gave His only begotten Son, so the least we can do is to practice giving ourselves. Not to mention, there's rewards in giving and giving doesn't always have to be monetary giving. As Matthew 10:42 tell us, "And if as my representatives you give even a cup of cold water to a little child you will surely be rewarded" (The Living Bible). Your Reward: You shall be rewarded by the Lord Himself.

If we are really willing to give, then it's not important how much we have to give. God wants us to give what we can and not what we cannot. We should always be willing to share with others if we have extra and can help them. And then at some other time, those same people (or even someone else) will be able to share with us when we are in need. Your Reward: When we are in need, others will be a blessing onto us.

The Words command us to "share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help" (Isaiah 58:7). Your Reward: He will heal and protect you - "your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind" (Isaiah 58:8). What an awesome reward!

Keep sowing your seeds, for you never know which seed will grow and blossom - perhaps they all will! Your Reward: You will have more than enough, because it's possible that all of your sowed seeds will grow!

With all that said, let the Church say Amen... and AMEN!