I assume that many people who look at this blog have been asked to financially support adoption either through giving to ministries like Katelyn’s Fund or through individuals asking for your support. I thought about this issue during a “money sermon” at my church yesterday. Our pastor encouraged us through Scripture to let God’s grace towards us motive us to give rather than giving out of a sense of duty. One verse he covered was:
“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” – 2 Corinthians 8:9
Christians are ones who have been so loved by God that we love others. We are ones who have been the recipients of sacrifice, so we sacrifice for others. Our God became poor for us so we become poor for others. He made us rich, so we make others rich (ie orphans). Reflecting on how much the Lord gave us through the incarnation is an automatic inspiration to give to others.
And if there is still a question as to what our motives should be in giving, 2 Corinthians 9:7 spells it out for us very clearly:
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
The Lord does not want us to begrudgingly give to fundraisers, missionaries, or worthy causes, but instead wants us to cheerfully give, believing in what we are giving to.
And for those of you who are interested, here is the full sermon:
