Guarding Hearts: The Power of Giving and Forgiveness

Devotional

Day 1: Cheerful Giving and the Heart Behind Our Generosity

God prizes not just the act of giving, but the heart and attitude with which we give. When we sow with joy, promptness, and a cheerful spirit, God esteems and values that above other things, promising to supply and multiply our seed. He refuses to do without a giver whose heart is in their giving, and He becomes our source, ensuring that we are never left out of His provision. The pressure is off us, for God Himself supplies and increases what we sow, allowing us to abound in every good work. [25:43]

2 Corinthians 9:6-11 (ESV)
"The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. As it is written, 'He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.' He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God."

Reflection: What is the true motivation behind your giving today, and how can you intentionally cultivate a cheerful, willing heart as you give to God and others?

Day 2: Honoring the Heritage of Faith

A mother’s faith and spiritual influence can leave a lasting legacy, passing down sincere faith and the anointing of God from generation to generation. Whether you are a biological, adoptive, step, or spiritual mom, your faith, prayers, and example can shape the lives of your children and grandchildren, creating a heritage where faith, wisdom, and the Holy Spirit run in the family. This is a beautiful opportunity, not a burden, to pour into others what God has poured into you. [51:40]

2 Timothy 1:5 (ESV)
"I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well."

Reflection: Who in your life has passed down faith to you, and how can you intentionally pass on the heritage of faith to someone in your family or community this week?

Day 3: The Power of Unity and the Danger of Offense

Unity among believers is where God commands His blessing and the anointing flows, but offense disrupts this unity and hinders the work of the Holy Spirit. When we allow offense into our hearts—whether from what someone said, did, or didn’t do—we step out of unity and into a place where the blessing and anointing are blocked. The enemy uses offense to create division, silence needed voices, and rob us of God’s best, but we are called to guard our hearts and pursue unity with diligence. [01:07:14]

Psalm 133:1-3 (ESV)
"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore."

Reflection: Is there any offense or division in your heart toward someone in your church, family, or community? What step can you take today to pursue unity and restore fellowship?

Day 4: Offense as a Gateway to Unbelief

Allowing offense to take root in our hearts not only blocks the flow of God’s anointing but also leads us into unbelief, making it difficult to receive from God or others. Even Jesus was hindered from doing mighty works in His hometown because of the offense and unbelief of the people. Offense hardens our hearts, closes us off from the voices and blessings we need, and can even affect our faith in God Himself. We must be vigilant to guard our hearts, forgive quickly, and refuse to let offense rob us of God’s best. [01:24:46]

Mark 6:2-6 (ESV)
"And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished, saying, 'Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?' And they took offense at him. And Jesus said to them, 'A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.' And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching."

Reflection: Is there an area where offense has led you to stop expecting good from God or others? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to soften your heart and restore your faith today?

Day 5: Forgiveness Unlocks the Flow of Faith and Blessing

Forgiveness is essential to maintaining a heart that is open to God’s blessing, the anointing, and the flow of faith. Jesus taught that when we stand praying, we must forgive anyone we have offense against, so that nothing hinders our prayers or our relationship with God. Forgiveness may not always restore every relationship, but it frees your heart from the grip of offense and allows God’s Spirit to move freely in your life. Only you can choose to let go of offense, and as you do, the Holy Spirit will help you walk in freedom, faith, and blessing. [01:29:39]

Mark 11:25-26 (ESV)
"And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your trespasses."

Reflection: Who do you need to forgive today—whether they know it or not—so that your heart can be free and the blessing of God can flow unhindered in your life?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to celebrate the goodness of God, honor our mothers, and receive a fresh word about the power of our hearts—especially in the areas of giving and forgiveness. We began by looking at 2 Corinthians 9, where we’re reminded that God prizes a cheerful, willing giver whose heart is in their giving. It’s not just about the amount we sow, but the spirit in which we sow it. When our hearts are right, God refuses to do without us—He makes us partners in His work, supplying seed to the sower and multiplying our resources so we can abound in every good work. The pressure is off us; God Himself becomes our supplier, and His grace flows freely when we give with joy and purpose.

We took time to honor the mothers among us, recognizing the countless ways they pour into our lives—through love, wisdom, patience, and faith. Whether biological, adoptive, step, or spiritual moms, their legacy of faith is a heritage that shapes generations. As Proverbs 31 says, we honor them for all their hands have done, and we pray for fresh strength, wisdom, and anointing for every season of their lives.

The heart of today’s word, though, was a call to guard our hearts against offense. I shared a story of a young man called by God, whose ministry was derailed by offense. Offense is a subtle but powerful tool of the enemy—it hardens our hearts, disrupts unity, and blocks the flow of the Holy Spirit, the anointing, and the blessing of God. Psalm 133 tells us that where there is unity, God commands the blessing. But offense creates schisms, silences voices we need, and leads us into unbelief. Even Jesus, in His own hometown, could do no mighty works because of the offense in people’s hearts.

We all have opportunities to be offended—at work, in our families, even in church. But we are called to guard our hearts with all diligence, to forgive quickly, and to refuse to let offense take root. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is essential for the flow of God’s blessing and the operation of faith in our lives. When we stand praying, we must forgive, letting go of offense so that nothing hinders our relationship with God or others. The Holy Spirit is our helper in this, healing wounds and softening our hearts so we can walk in love, unity, and the fullness of God’s blessing.

Key Takeaways

1. The heart behind our giving matters more than the amount. God prizes and values a cheerful, willing giver, and He refuses to do without those whose hearts are in their giving. When we give with joy and purpose, God Himself becomes our supplier, multiplying our resources and ensuring we never go without. [25:43]
2. Offense is a spiritual thief that blocks the flow of the Holy Spirit, the anointing, and the blessing of God in our lives. It can arise from what people say—or don’t say—and if left unchecked, it hardens our hearts and disrupts unity, which is the very place where God commands His blessing to flow. [66:12]
3. Unity is essential for the move of God. The early church experienced the outpouring of the Holy Spirit because they were together in one accord. Offense creates schisms and discord, silencing voices we need and cutting us off from the wisdom and help God wants to bring through others. [67:58]
4. Forgiveness is not a feeling but a choice, often a one-way street. We cannot control others’ responses, but we are responsible for our own hearts. When we forgive, we release ourselves from the prison of offense and open the door for God’s blessing, faith, and anointing to flow freely in our lives. [87:42]
5. Offense is the gateway to unbelief. Just as Jesus was hindered from doing mighty works in His hometown because of offense, so too can our faith be rendered ineffective if we allow offense to take root. Guarding our hearts and choosing forgiveness is essential to living in the fullness of God’s promises and experiencing His supernatural power. [84:46]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[23:10] - Opening and Greeting
[24:26] - The Heart of Giving: 2 Corinthians 9
[25:43] - God Prizes a Cheerful Giver
[26:48] - The Joyful Giver and God’s Supply
[28:30] - Seed for the Sower: God as Our Source
[29:48] - Multiplication and Provision
[32:43] - Announcements and Discipleship Update
[39:02] - Honoring Moms: Stories and Laughter
[40:56] - Mom or Myth: Fun and Games
[48:17] - Pouring Back Into Moms
[49:35] - A Tribute to Mothers
[51:40] - Prayer and Blessing for Moms
[56:21] - Worship and Unity
[64:57] - The Danger of Offense
[67:58] - Unity and the Flow of the Spirit
[73:20] - Opportunities for Offense
[77:10] - Guarding Your Heart
[80:54] - Offense in Jesus’ Hometown
[84:46] - Offense: The Gateway to Unbelief
[87:02] - Forgiveness and the Flow of Faith
[91:44] - Prayer for Healing and Release from Offense
[92:44] - Closing Blessing and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In 2 Corinthians 9, what kind of giver does God prize, and what does He promise to do for that person?
According to Psalm 133, what happens when God’s people dwell together in unity?
In Mark 11:25, what does Jesus say we must do when we stand praying, and why is this important?
The sermon shared a story about a young man whose ministry was derailed by offense. What was the result of offense in his life? [[01:04:57]]

Interpretation Questions

Why does God care more about the heart behind our giving than the amount we give? How does this affect the way we approach generosity? [[25:43]]
The sermon says offense is a “spiritual thief” that blocks the flow of the Holy Spirit and God’s blessing. In what ways can offense disrupt unity and hinder God’s work in our lives and church? [[01:06:12]]
How does unforgiveness act as a barrier to our faith and prayers, according to Mark 11 and the sermon? [[01:27:02]]
The pastor mentioned that offense is the gateway to unbelief, even referencing Jesus’ experience in His hometown. Why do you think offense can so powerfully block faith and expectation? [[01:24:46]]

Application Questions

The sermon said, “We all have opportunities to be offended—at work, in our families, even in church. But we are called to guard our hearts with all diligence, to forgive quickly, and to refuse to let offense take root.”
When you give—whether it’s your time, money, or encouragement—do you do it cheerfully and willingly, or do you sometimes feel pressure or reluctance?
The pastor honored mothers for their legacy of faith and the way they pour into others.
The sermon warned that offense can silence voices we need and cut us off from the wisdom and help God wants to bring through others.
Forgiveness is described as a choice, not a feeling, and sometimes a “one-way street.”
The pastor said, “The Holy Spirit is our helper in this, healing wounds and softening our hearts so we can walk in love, unity, and the fullness of God’s blessing.”
The sermon emphasized that unity is where God commands the blessing.

Sermon Clips

But this I say, he that sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly. He that sows bountifully reaps how? Bountifully. So there is something tied to how I reap, and it's how I sow. But keep reading, it's not just how I sow an amount, but it's also every man according as he purposes in his heart. It's also the heart behind my giving. [00:24:41]

So in other words, the person whose heart is right about their giving, God says, I value that, I prize that, I esteem that above other things. And it also said he refuses. This one about threw me out of my chair. He refuses to do without that kind of giver. [00:26:17]

That means when I'm that kind of giver, when my heart is in my giving, right? And I am prompt, and I am happy, and I am joyful to do it. God's not doing nothing without me. In other words, he will not leave me behind. He will not leave me out. [00:26:48]

He gives seed to the sower. This is all part of God prizes and values it. When we have our hearts right about our giving, he prizes that, esteems that above other things, and will not go without it. So in other words, he himself is our source. He himself is supplying. [00:28:50]

He provides for our table, and he keeps the supply coming that we keep sowing. Why? He prizes this above other things. And he himself becomes the supplier. The pressure is off me. The pressure is off you. He is the supplier. And he'll keep it coming. [00:30:06]

You poured in love when we felt unlovable. I wrote all this myself. And you poured in guidance when we were lost. And you poured out patience when we tested every limit. You poured out strength when we were weak. You poured in snacks, obviously. And early morning prayers, late night car rides, home-cooked meals. Praise God. [00:50:01]

Whether you're a biological mom, an adoptive mom, a stepmom, a spiritual mom, who stepped in when we needed someone most, you've been God's hands and heart to us. And so today we want to pause and do what the Scripture says to honor her for all her hands have done in Proverbs chapter 31. [00:50:36]

So moms, once you get Jesus, once you get faith, once you get the Holy Ghost, you have a responsibility. You have not even just a responsibility like, oh my gosh, this burden, but it's a wonderful opportunity to pass down. Come on, that faith. [00:53:08]

No, no, no. Once we receive Jesus, man, faith and the anointing and the grace and the wisdom of God runs in the family, and so you pass that on, praise the Lord, to your children and grandchildren. [00:53:29]

When you allow offense into your heart, come on, it can stop the flow of the anointing of God. Come on, it can stop you being in a place where your heart is right to the Lord, not to mention to other people. The anointing will stop. It will hinder the flow of the anointing in your life. [01:05:35]

You do not want to be the person that was receiving from God. God was building you up in your life. God was working in you. God was moving through you, but somebody hurt your feelings. They offended you. It could be what they said. It could be what they didn't say. [01:06:13]

You take a step over into offense, you're going to take a step out of unity. Because as long as there is unity, see, consider the day of Pentecost. You suspect the message on moms, you're the wrong church, you come up to the wrong trough. All right. We preaching to moms. All right, not about moms. [01:07:37]

On the day of Pentecost, they were all together in one place, all together in one accord. Come on, and my Bible says that he commands the blessing to be there. But notice there in Galatians 3 .14, the blessing, he's talking about the blessing coming, but he's never, ever really talking about the blessing without mentioning the moving of what? The Holy Spirit. [01:09:47]

You can pay attention to your insecurities, or you can pay attention to my seat in Christ, my place in Him. I'm better preaching. I'm doing better preaching than you are, shall I? [01:14:40]

Offense will come to silence voices in your life that you need to hear. Offense will come into your heart. Offense will try to work its way into your heart to shut up voices that you need in your life. I just don't want to hear from that person right now. [01:15:45]

If your heart is hard. Through offense, you will not receive these words you need. Are you listening? And so offense comes a lot of times to silence voices you need in your life. [01:17:11]

God takes the stony heart and gives you a heart of flesh. But the devil wants to take your heart that is pliable, that is teachable, that is sensitive to the Holy Spirit, and wants to take that and turn it into a stony heart of offense so you can't receive, so that nothing will grow there. [01:18:00]

You got to keep, or you could say you got to guard, you got to protect your heart with all diligence. For out of it what? Flow the issues of life. [01:19:41]

Offense is the gateway to unbelief. You allow your heart to get hard to God. God, you allow your heart to get offended by other people. Come on, you're going to get over into unbelief. [01:22:51]

You allow offense to come into your heart towards the Lord or to the things of God or to ministers or to voices you need in your life or to mentors, whatever you want to say, however you want to say it, right? You allow your voice, your heart to get hard there, and you do not receive anything from them. [01:23:08]

You want to speak and move minds? When you stand praying, you have to forgive. What's forgiving doing? It's letting that offense go. And let me tell you something. You forgiving might start as a one-way street. [01:27:23]

So, understand that when you stand praying and you forgive, it does not mean like, whoo, we're fixing to reunite it and it feels so good, right? Like, we're going to be back where we ought to be. Right? No, they may not turn loose of theirs. They may not turn loose of theirs. But you turn loose to yours, the blessing, the anointing, faith. [01:28:50]

So what we got to do? We got to guard our hearts. We got to guard our hearts and don't allow offense in. Don't allow the offense in. Why? It's a gateway to unbelief. What is unbelief? It's the thief that robs us of God's greatest blessing because he commands the blessing to flow where the brethren dwell together in unity. [01:31:05]

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