A Cheerful Giver . . . Always?

I pulled up the calendar to check the kids’ after-school schedule, subconsciously praying, “Please, Jesus, no hockey today . . . or at least let it be at the close rink!” Yet as the schedule came into focus, I saw not only two practices, but two separate rinks—across town from one another. I groaned. Being a glorified über driver was once again derailing my preferred plans.

As I prepared to huff and puff my way through the evening, a little voice inside stopped me short. If I can’t do it with love, why bother?

God had recently been inviting me to try and be most generous where it came least naturally: my family.

It was easy to put up a generous front at the workplace, in ministry, or around friends, while being far more miserly in the safe space of my family—neglecting meal planning, lamenting undesirable tasks, wanting to serve my own desires before theirs.

Yet my prayer had led me to the truth that my priorities were flipped. As Saint Paul wrote, “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). If our primary vocation is the main path God uses to make us holy, then that’s also where He desires for us to give the most genuinely and generously.

That day, as I caught myself begrudging yet another sacrifice, I tried something new.

Thank You, I whispered, for this chance to serve my family and serve You.

My heart instantly shifted. So, every time I caught myself resenting small sacrifices, I tried to keep combating it with gratitude:

Thank You, Lord, for helping me die to the selfishness that enslaves me.

You cheerfully gave all for me. Thank You for teaching me how to love the same way.

Cheerful giving and dying to self go hand in hand. Detaching from enslavement to our selfish desires sanctifies us to embrace new life, new freedom, and real love.

When you let Him transform your selfishness into loving sacrifice, the fruit will always be real gratitude and growth.

What opportunities can you embrace today to love more selflessly?

Embrace new life, new freedom, and real love. // @megan_hjelmstadClick to tweet

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