Advent: Guilt-free Giving

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

I love cheeseburgers. They are my favorite food group. People often claim the cheeseburgers at “this place” or “that place” are the best. They are all wrong. The world’s best cheeseburgers are made by my wife with the perfect mixture of ground beef, cheese, spices, and love. (I just drooled thinking about them.) But cheeseburgers do have consequences. My doctor reminded me of that during my annual physical. He saw me, smiled, and using his best bedside manner said, “Hey, you’re getting fat.”

Giving can be like that. Even during Advent season. We know we should, but there are so many other things that seem to “taste” better. And while giving or not giving does not in any way affect our salvation, God’s grace or unconditional love for us, choosing not to give can make us “fat.” Living for ourselves does that. Following Christ changes the way we think and the choices we make. The Bible puts it this way, “He died for everyone so that those who receive His new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them” (2 Corinthians 5:15).

Besides, you’ve got to love God’s simple, uncomplicated, and guilt-free instructions on giving: “You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully’” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

So cheer up. Follow God’s leading and guilt-free instructions. And remember, even when it’s really hard to get up and go to the gym or order a salad instead of a cheeseburger, afterwards you’ll be really glad you did.

Dear God, We thank you for the indescribable gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the opportunity to show forth Your love by giving to others. Amen.

Copyright 2015 Ed Thompson
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