Everlasting November 19, 2025 Devotional

2 CORINTHIANS 9:7 | ⁷Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

MATTHEW 6:2 | ²So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward.

Motivation for our generosity matters a great deal. Those who pursue spiritual devotions for admiration, “brand building,” or ego gratification are not rewarded in heaven. The doctrine of rewards, the promise of a heavenly return, is not to be exploited so that generous gifts can be paired with selfish motives.

Giving has to involve a spirit of generosity. It is not a matter of being compelled out of guilt or duty. When we love those we benefit, when we share God’s desire to heal and help, then giving is joyous and exciting. We are blessed by God and grateful to Him and we understand our own generosity in terms of His trust in our stewardship. He wants us to know the supreme grace of becoming a blessing to others.

What motivates your generosity?

Gracious God,

May I share in Your desires to heal and help, to correct injustice and to bless others. May those desires motivate my generosity.

Amen.