Sermon: According to Your Own Heart

We have all heard the oft-cited scripture in 2 Corinthians where everyone is encouraged to give according to their own convictions. This is often used as a counter to those who specify that a certain amount of "proper" for all people. When taken to an unhealthy end, it is used to rationalize our own selfishness; I don't "feel like giving", so I use this scripture to justify myself. This is, of course, a complete misread of Paul's words and actually obscures a beautiful lesson in what should guide our hearts.