We are entrusted by God with resources not just for our own benefit, but to do good in the world. This means that our financial decisions should reflect a balance between providing for ourselves and our families, and contributing to the needs of others and the work of the church. Recognizing this responsibility can lead to a more intentional and impactful use of our resources. By aligning our financial choices with God's mission, we can become active participants in His work, using what we have to bring about positive change and support those in need.
2 Corinthians 9:8–9 (NLT): “And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.””
Reflection: Identify one financial decision you will make this week. How can you ensure it reflects a balance between personal needs and contributing to the greater good?
Exercise
Our exercise for this coming week is to begin listening to God about money and generosity. This discernment exercise takes you through a series of questions designed to get you to reflect on your stewardship, and listen to God for direction. This practise will force us to identify and confront the barriers that keep us from generosity. What you may find is - as you attempt to listen to God in prayer, things will come up in your heart. You may feel resistance or angst in your body. That resistance may be psychological or spiritual or practical. This exercise will invite you to lovingly face the barriers that keep you from obedience to Jesus’s commands.
Our reach exercise this week is twofold. It's to enjoy something good in your life and share it with another. You could spend that extra money you have on taking someone out to dinner who’s going through a rough time or open that bottle of wine you’ve been saving with a good friend or take a kid from your community who doesn’t have a healthy family situation out for ice cream. We’re trying to learn to both deeply enjoy our life as a gift from God and to share our blessings with others.
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