2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Lack of gratitude prevents people from feeling good about their lives.
"What do you need most?"
Our lives become defined by what we don't have, and we fail to appreciate what we do have until it's too late.
Our biggest challenge is learning to appreciate.
I contend that if you're not thankful all year long, you can't be truly thankful on Thanksgiving day.
Give.
There is an unbreakable connection between gratitude and generosity.
#1. Cheerful giving pleases God.
7. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Because giving cheerfully reflects a proper attitude toward all that you have.
But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
When we give cheerfully, we're giving like God gives.
#2. Big giving gets big results.
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
The more you give to Him, the more He gives back to you.
You can't be motivated by both compassion and greed.
He'll meet your needs.
He'll overwhelm you with His grace.
It is God's unlimited mercy when you fail, and His unlimited strength to keep you from failing again.
Your work will be more productive.
"I'm going to give and give and give because there's plenty more where that came from."
8. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
#3. Generous giving creates a chain reaction.
It's a great idea — and it works.
There's a chain reaction to generosity.
Be thankful that He has given the chance to make a huge difference.
You may be tempted to focus on the things you don't have,
and you may be tempted to focus on the problems that you do have.
11. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.