"God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7). Why does God love a cheerful giver? Because it corresponds to his own nature! Let us consider a few things that God gives us.

God "gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

Without God's intervention, we cannot initiate the necessary change of direction in our lives to have a relationship with Him. God gives it to us: "God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life" (Acts 11:18).

Once this conversion has taken place in our lives, through the Holy Spirit we receive the strength to be faithful to God and to walk on His way until the end of our lives. This Spirit too is God's gift to us: "We are His witnesses to these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to those who obey Him" (Acts 5:32). The Apostle Paul wrote in this regard: "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:7).

If we remain faithful to God with his help until the end of our lives, God promises to give us eternal life. It is his gift to us: "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Eternal life is also linked to our entering into the kingdom of God, which God will also give us: "Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom" (Luke 12:32).

What does God expect of us? We are to become as he is (Matthew 5:48). Let us therefore imitate an important aspect of divine character – let us be "cheerful givers": "Give, and it will be given to you" (Luke 6:38)..

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!