Generous

Small Hearts

This morning, I’d like to open a reading from a great theologian, Dr. Seuss.

The Grinch hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season! Now, please don't ask why. No one quite knows the reason. It could be his head wasn't screwed on just right. It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight. But I think that the most likely reason of all May have been that his heart was two sizes too small.

Now, I know the good doctor says not to bother with the reason for the Grinch’s dilemma, but this morning for the sake of discussion I set forth a few reasons for his condition.

Who are you giving to?

2 Corinthians 8:5 ESV

and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.

Who we give to is as important what or why we give.

Why are we giving?

Why we give is as important as what we give.

2 Corinthians 8:12 ESV

For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.

Do we see what we have been given?

2 Corinthians 8:9 ESV

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

Generous Hearts

And what happened then…? Well… in Who-ville they say That the Grinch's small heart Grew three sizes that day! And the minute his heart didn't feel quite so tight, He whizzed with his load through the bright morning light And he brought back the toys! And the food and the feast! And he… … HE HIMSELF…! The Grinch carved the roast beast! (170-179)