Vessels of ComfortLifeline for Today - Friday, January 26, 2024

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)

One of the things we say often as we begin a new year is, “Have a Happy and Prosperous New Year.” This sounds good, but the fact of the matter is that both of the adjectives describe a year that is ultimately about the recipient. Prosperity is the condition of being successful and usually alludes to economic well-being. On the other hand, happiness refers to feeling pleasure or contentment. Nothing is wrong with either word or concept. I believe we all want to be prosperous and happy. 

What if we changed the way we blessed folks for the new year? Why don’t we tell them to have a generous new year. What does that mean? That means that we approach each day as an opportunity to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion but as someone who desires to bless others. 

MEDITATION: Lord, I admit that I can be quite self-consumed—thinking about my contentment, happiness, and prosperity. Lord, I want to have a generous new year and want to become a person who is seeking opportunity to be generous to others. In the name of Jesus, Amen.