GIVING - Give cheerfully

SCRIPTURE
Matthew 6:21 | Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Deuteronomy 16:17 | All must give as they are able, according to the blessings given to them by the LORD your God.

2 Corinthians 9:5-9 |  So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly.

Remember this - a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And do not give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.

Mark 12:41-44 | Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins.

Jesus called his disciples to him and said, I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.


DISCUSSION
1. We are supposed to give to God as much as we are able based on how He has blessed us.

• What has God blessed you with?
• Do you give back to Him as much of those blessings as you can?
• Why or why not?

2. What does God want our hearts to be like when we give to Him?

• Do you give to God cheerfully (willingly, freely) or just because you have to?
• What does this show about your heart?

3. What does Jesus comment about the widows offering teach us? Do you give like the widow or like all the others in the story?