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 NIV
Not Reluctantly
Reluctant Warriors, published by UBC Press in 2019, is the first in-depth examination of the pivotal role played by Canadian conscripts in the final campaign of the Great War. During the “Hundred Days” of the First World War, over 30 percent of conscripts who served in the Canadian Corps became casualties. Yet, they were generally considered slackers, shirkers, or malingerers for not having volunteered to fight of their own accord. Reluctant Warriors provides fresh evidence that conscripts were good soldiers who fought valiantly.
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Somewhere over the years something changes in us, at least many of us. When we are young, we love to be on the receiving end of giving and getting. For many children, birthdays and Christmas are a couple of the best days of the year. Just watch a child as the gifts are placed in front of them. Somewhere along the way, what changes is us – we go from wanting to be on the getting end and prefer to be on the giving end. We prefer to watch others enjoy what we’ve given them more than what we get. For the follower of Jesus, this ought to always be the case. Paul the apostle writes this in 2 Corinthians 9:7: “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.” Followers of Jesus are to always have open hands when it comes to giving to the work of the Lord. The open hands are a symbol of an open heart – a heart that finds great joy in giving. You have received so much from the Lord. Give back to the Lord cheerfully.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley