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TODAY’S WORD…

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“For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”

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– 2 Corinthians 9:7b (NLT)

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TODAY’S WORD IN CONTEXT…from 2 Corinthians 9:6-10…

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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.

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You must each decide in your heart how much to give.

And don’t 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.” [Psalm 112:9]

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For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer

and then bread to eat.

In the same way, He will provide and increase your resources

and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

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QUOTE…

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“Give, and you will receive.

Your gift will return to you in full

– pressed down,

shaken together to make room for more,

running over,

and poured into your lap.

The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”

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– Our Lord Jesus Christ (Jn 13:34)

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FROM A COMMENTARY BY ST. JOHN CHRYSOSTOM…

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“For if even to those who sow the earth

and to those who are concerned about the needs of the body,

God gives in great abundance,

much more will He give to those who till the soil of heaven

and apply themselves to the salvation of their souls,

for He wills that we should spare no sacrifice in that regard. […]

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Two principles:

in temporal things one should limit oneself to what is necessary;

but in spiritual things one should seek as much as possible.

Therefore…we should not simply give alms,

but give alms generously […]

Just as corn cast into the ground produces a crop,

so generous alms produces righteousness and abundant harvest.”

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Lord, fill me with the spirit of generosity,

that I may always give freely and lovingly,

and in the same way I want to give myself to You!

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