But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you—see that you excel in this act of grace also. I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 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.
2 Corinthians 8:7-9
CONSIDER THIS: Paul was writing to the church in Corinth, encouraging them to show their love of God through various ways, including their financial giving and the ministry of God’s people. Paul points them to the overwhelming generosity of the Macedonian church, who gave well beyond what anybody expected. He also reminds them of Jesus’ sacrifice for all believers. He gave up Heaven to come to Earth and sacrifice himself so that we could inherit eternal life. Through the examples of other believers and Jesus himself, we are encouraged to respond with a heart of generosity.
PRAYER:
1) Reflect on and thank God for the amazing gift of grace you have received through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.
2) Pray for a generous heart that aligns with the heart of our Creator and Savior.
Use these resources to help pray specifically each day.
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
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