The Apostle Paul tells the Corinthians that God loves a cheerful giver. Why? Because when a human has been transformed to such a degree that they are genuinely happy and glad to give away what they have. When a human has been transformed inside to that point, that human is becoming closer and closer to being the way God gives what He has. God loves giving us Himself, and when we enjoy giving to that degree, our parish will never have a lack of money to do our work ever again!
Tags: Sunday Homily
Fr. Barnabas Powell
About Author
Fr. Barnabas is the parish priest at Sts. Raphael, Nicholas, and Irene Greek Orthodox Church in Cumming, Georgia. He is also host of Faith Encouraged Live on Ancient Faith Radio and author of the Faith Encouraged podcast.
1 Comment
Linda Vogt Turner
I like your mission statement: To invite and welcome everyone to a transformational journey that leads to both purpose and salvation. Fr. Barnabas Powell reminded us of two things. Compulsion and persuasion bring different results and stewardship is not about money. It’s about faith. So why would someone write a story, a testimony of faith and sell it? Would it not be better to simply give it away? Or would it not be better to sell it and give the money one earned away to the poor? Or would it be better to invest the money from the sale of such property (and work) in ways to transform peoples lives? 40 years ago as a member in good standing of the United Church of Canada, I met a Greek out at the 6th Assembly of the World Council of Churches. Meeting him and attending that Assembly was truly the start of a transformational journey that I am still on. I am truly thankful for all my Greek friends and their brothers and sisters. I am also especially grateful for Fr. Barnabas Powell’s devotionals and this morning’s sermon that your generosity helps to bring to me and others.