Smoky Hill Umc Weekly Sermon

This Sunday’s sermon scriptures are Psalm 116:1-9, 12-14 and Mark 8:34-37. It is entitled: “Give from Love Instead of Fear.”   Have you ever silently reflected on why you give to the church, causes, and to people? Have you really reflected on the motivation behind your altruistic deeds, all of which are about giving? Perhaps words like duty or obligation come to mind. Maybe you tell yourself, “because I ‘should’ give” or do this particular act. Or...and you are not alone, maybe you give out of what’s left, after you feel financially secure. Have you ever given out of your lack because you have a crazy faith in God’s promises to provide for all your needs? When duty or “should” is our motivation, or if we give  God what is left over; then we are operating from a place of fear and not faith. This means we don’t truly trust God’s love for us and are not resting secure in God’s love. As a result,  we give from a place of fear and not love. Last year, I talked about giving as a spiritual practice or discipline. Th