Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

[Excerpted from “Why I Give” by Terry and Betty Snapp, May 2016 Herald, pp. 16–17]

It is increasingly humbling to realize everything we have is a gift from God. As the years go by, we see more clearly that we really own nothing. What we have is ours just to manage.

Such growing recognition of God’s ownership and our role as stewards is humbling and inspiring. We wish to be responsible and effective stewards. We see giving as one way of doing that. On many occasions God’s generosity has astonished us, and we realize we have done nothing to deserve it.

Over the years our capacity to give has changed tremendously. At times we had almost nothing to give. Other times we could give more, but not as much as we wished. Presently, we are blessed beyond what we anticipated and are able to give more. Our desire and capacity to give have grown.

We now understand more about God’s generosity and reflect on our own giving. In doing so we can see how our motives have moved along a continuum. Initially, giving was driven mostly by the understanding that we should give. Today, we give because we want to give and enjoy doing so. It’s fair to say we love giving. It is an expression of desiring to be good stewards, and it makes our lives meaningful.

We understand better than ever that our call is to be stewards of giving and receiving. What an honor and a privilege!

Prayer Phrase

“You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity” (2 Corinthians 9:11).

Spiritual Practice

Overflowing Generosity

Spend five minutes thinking deeply about how God has shared abundantly with you in very specific ways. Where do you see God’s abundant generosity in your life? Say a prayer of thanksgiving for these blessings. Now, reminded of these blessings, think about how you can bless others. In what ways can God’s abundant generosity overflow from you to others? What specific blessing will you share with another this day?

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.