By Claudean Boatman
Colorado WMU Executive Director

Paul wrote to the Corinthians about an opportunity to give to Christians who were in great need. He told the Corinthians to collect a bountiful gift and be ready when it came time to send it on to the saints. He wrote, “The point is this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:6-7). Later in the chapter, he said, “For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God” (2 Cor. 9:12).

Paul’s instructions give me some direction for my giving to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions.

First, I know some of the “saints” who will receive money from this offering. One is a single woman working in an African country. She has Bible study with women, teaches English, and helps in a ministry center. Another couple work in South Asia helping believers to abide in Jesus as they live among people who practice folk Muslim and Hindi religions hostile to believers. It goes to help workers who are serving refugees from the Ukraine and helping in Israel. When I think of the missionaries who will be using Lottie funds to reach their people groups, how can I not be generous?

Second, in verse 7, Paul said each \should give as he decides. Giving is not just an emotional reaction to a need. Giving is a conscious decision. If I want to be obedient to the idea of being a cheerful giver to the saints (missionaries), I have some decisions to make. I know I can’t give to every organization. Instead of giving ten groups a token gift, I am going to deliberately give to more to Lottie Moon and my church’s Christmas outreach. I will spend fewer dollars on gifts for family and friends that will be soon forgotten, so that eternity is different for someone in South Asia, Europe, or Africa.

Finally, when I give generously, I will receive a great deal—not in like gifts. Instead, I begin to understand God’s generosity and character. When I give so the Gospel can be told, I learn the value God places on the spiritual lives of those created in His image, and I begin to value them, too.

My goal this Lottie Moon season is to be the cheerful and generous giver God loves.