THE POWER OF GIVING
There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the band called the Italian band, A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway (Acts 10:1-2).
God is plainly against selfishness. Conversely, He’ll seize any opportunity to save, bless, and uplift a giver. Notice the word “save”; even non-Christians who are givers—who are liberal and generous—get God’s attention, and He seeks to save them. If He can find someone to pray for them, He will exercise His legal right to act and guide them into salvation.
The story of Cornelius in Acts 10 beautifully illustrates this truth. Cornelius was a Roman centurion, a Gentile and not part of the Jewish community. Yet, he was a devout man who feared God and was known for his generosity. He gave alms to the people and prayed continually.
His giving and prayers did not go unnoticed; they ascended as a memorial before God. As a result of his generosity, God sent an angel to Cornelius with a divine instruction to send for Peter who would bring him the message of salvation. Think about it; an angel appeared to Cornelius because of his giving!
God orchestrated an entire salvation plan for Cornelius, his family, and his household because of his generosity. As Peter preached about Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit fell upon everyone present. They began speaking in tongues and praising God. This moment was a pivotal point in the Early Church, highlighting the universal vision of the Gospel.
God despises stinginess; it is contrary to His nature and reflects the nature of the devil. So, every time God looks at a stingy person, He sees the enemy. But when He sees a giver, He sees something of Himself in that person and He’s drawn to that one in love. 2 Corinthians 9:7 AMPC says, “…God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, “prompt to do it”) giver [whose heart is in his giving].” Let this be your description and your experience of God’s love will be overwhelming.
CONFESSION
I’m a cheerful giver, and through my giving, I position myself in alignment with God’s divine purpose, experiencing His abundant grace. I function in supernatural blessings, favours and increase. Thank you Lord for making me a channel of blessings to my world, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
2 Corinthians 9:6-7 AMPC; Proverbs 11:24-25; Acts 10:3-4; Hebrews 13:16 AMPC
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 20:19-31; 1 Chronicles 23-25
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN : Mark 15:25-32; Deuteronomy 5
