The Gate — J Calaway — Make Today Count -- Cost

Until It Costs You Something

"Give until it costs you something. That's where generosity stops being a gesture and becomes a gift."

BIG IDEA

Giving from surplus is a gesture; giving that costs you something is a gift. God calls costly giving "true worship."

KEY POINTS

• David refused to offer God something that cost him nothing (2 Samuel 24:24).

• The rich gave out of wealth; the widow gave out of poverty. Jesus saw the difference (Mark 12:44).

• Jesus became poor so we could become rich. Every gift echoes His (2 Corinthians 8:9).

SCRIPTURES

2 Samuel 24:24 · Mark 12:44 · 2 Corinthians 8:9 · Romans 12:1

TODAY'S CHALLENGE

Find where your giving starts to pinch and give from there, at least once this week, so generosity costs you something you'll notice.

REFLECT

1. When was the last time your giving actually cost you something?

2. What would you have to release for your generosity to become a gift instead of a gesture?

PRAY

Lord, I don't want to offer You what costs me nothing. Show me where sacrifice begins, and make my giving true worship.

You're better than yesterday, but not near as good as tomorrow. So make today count.