10 August 2020

Each of you must give as you have made up your mind,
not reluctantly or under compulsion,
for God loves a cheerful giver.
And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance,
so that by always having enough of everything,
you may share abundantly in every good work.
From 2 Corinthians 9: 6-10 (NRSV)

Today’s Reading has been chosen for the feast of St Lawrence which which is celebrated today.
St Paul reminds us that “God loves a cheerful giver” and that giving should be done with an open and generous heart. It comes with another reminder – where what we have to give has come from. It is true that we may have worked hard for what we have but ultimately, the time and the gifts we use to do this have their origin in what God has offered freely to us. And just as God gives to us cheerfully, so he asks that we do the same. No-one finds it easy to respond gratefully to things given resentfully or, even worse, condescendingly and as a painful duty. When we give cheerfully, we give of ourselves too and, in that, we are following the example of the one who gave everything for us.

• • When have you received something that was given resentfully? How did it feel?
  • When have you given something with a cheerful and generous heart? What was the response? And how did it leave you feeling?

There are many needs around the world in response to the Covid-19 virus. Think about what you might be able to give and to whom. Give it!