Morning Devotional 050826 Give From Your Heart

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

May 8, 2026

2 Corinthians 9:6-11

⁶ What I mean is this: the one who sows a small number of seeds will also reap a small crop, and the one who sows a generous amount of seeds will also reap a generous crop. ⁷ Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart. They shouldn’t give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸ God has the power to provide you with more than enough of every kind of grace. That way, you will always have everything you need, in everything, to provide more than enough for every kind of good work. ⁹ As it is written, He scattered everywhere; he gave to the needy; his righteousness remains forever. ¹⁰ The one who supplies seed for planting and bread for eating will supply and multiply your seed and will increase your crop, which is righteousness. ¹¹ You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous in every way. Such generosity produces thanksgiving to God through us. 

Good Morning! Blessed are those who give generously.

God loves a cheerful giver. Each time we share, we are equally blessed. Over the years, I have received some wonderful, generous gifts. My granny was one of those who quietly shared in special ways that taught me to give from my heart. Her sharing went beyond things. She shared her love of shopping, of going somewhere with a friend at a moment’s notice, of taking a brisk walk, and of dining out with others. 

Some of my greatest blessings have come when I shared extravagantly with someone else. Again, certainly some things, but more importantly, being present as we share time at a concert, ride a roller coaster, walk in nature, and simply share space together. In these moments, I can plant the seeds of kindness, love, faith, peace, and hope that extend beyond the life of those things we think we need and want. 

I challenge you to share a part of yourself with someone else today. I promise that you will be abundantly blessed. 

1 John 3:18 (NIV): "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." Giving should be a personal, voluntary decision, not out of duty, reflecting a joyful heart.

God of Wisdom, you bless us abundantly! You gave us your son because of your love for us. Help us to give from our hearts. Thank you. We love you. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Thought for the day: We are blessed when we give freely to others.

Joy is present in the cheerful giver!  Pastor Liz