On Purpose

The word says when we give we should purpose in our hearts what we will give. That means we do it on purpose, not because we have to, or not by accident. We purpose it in our heart to do.

2 Cor. 9 v 6-15...But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudingly or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: "He has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever." Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, while through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!......

That seems like a lot of scripture for that one sentence, but it really says it all. You see, I am not talking about just giving monetary value, and Him multiplying your finances. I am talking about what you give to others, in your personality, and the way you treat others. How you deal with those who are hard to deal with. How you share the love of Christ through your actions toward those that you may not feel deserve love at all!! You see, we have to keep our focus on God, and what His word says, and we have to act and behave toward others, as Jesus would. And it all comes back to 1 Cor. 13 about walking in LOVE.

If we treat others nasty because they treat us ugly, what will we reap from that? Well, you are not going to get oranges, if you plant apple seeds are you? So, if you sow meaness, then meaness will be multiplied back at you. If someone treats you unfairly, and you respond with unfairness, how much unfairness then do you think you will reap? Scary picture.

Everyone always thinks about money and blessings when they read that scripture, but I believe, God is trying to tell us, that we need to sow LOVE in every action we take. And the action we take is what He says we have purposed in our hearts already.

Remember when you were taught as a child to STOP, DROP and ROLL if you were to catch on fire?

Well, I think we need to STOP, BOW, AND PRAY before we REACT. AMEN!

RTB....1 SAM 22-24...