When my children were much younger, I tried to give them some financial education. They received a certain amount of money as stipends from me monthly, but that was spread over four installments. That was my way of teaching them how to handle money and live within means. On one occasion when my birthday was approaching, I decided to add some amount to what they had been receiving. My gesture was informed by the thought that they might want to buy me a card or other keepsakes like they did in the past. I didn’t want what they might give to me to tamper with their own budget. With that arrangement, whatever they chose to do for me on that occasion would come from what I already gave them.

A cheerful, faithful giver will launch a perpetual cycle of giving and receiving, and no good thing will be withheld from him or her.

This is how things work in our relationship with God. The moment we choose to be a sower He will make sure the seed is supplied. When we sow, He will multiply our effort and give us greater increase still. Few areas pose serious challenge to many Christians like in financial stewardship. Up till now many people have not cultivated the freeness of mind that God is looking for in giving offerings that are acceptable to Him. Yet, if we understand that all things belong to God, we shall enjoy such liberty for faithful giving. A cheerful, faithful giver will launch a perpetual cycle of giving and receiving, and no good thing will be withheld from him or her.