You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God. 

2 CORINTHIANS 9:11

Although the passage in 2 Corinthians 9 is about generosity, this passage has often been misused. However, the principle of sowing and reaping, giving from the heart, and giving freely are still true. Verses 6 and 7 of chapter 9 reads: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

God promised to enrich us so that we would be generous in every occasion.

Love is the primary reason why Jesus gave Himself. Jesus, our LORD, and Savior, is a giver. He gives His best voluntarily because of His love for humanity. One of the most quoted verses in the bible is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son …”

As His followers, we are encouraged to give our time, talents, and treasures to others in His name. Even a cup of water given in His name will be rewarded here in this world and in the world to come. That’s a big reward.

The reward in chapter 9 is not limited to money. His blessings and rewards are unfathomable and are decided by God and God alone. Verse 11 says that “you will be enriched in every way so that we can be generous on every occasion.”

Giving should be decided by someone’s heart cheerfully and freely “because God loves a cheerful giver.” It is not the quantity or the amount of giving that matters but the motive and attitude. In the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:41-44, the widow gave two small coins, the smallest and least valuable coins in circulation in Judea. The ultimate purpose of our generosity is thanksgiving to God.

QUESTIONS

  • What should the criteria be for our giving?
  • Describe the posture of your heart when you’ve given in the past?
  • In what ways can you move further toward a posture of generosity?

PRAYER

Lord, grant me the grace to be a giver like you and let my giving result in thanksgiving to you and you alone.

Today’s devotional was prayed over and prepared by Moses Alade, Elder

 

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