CONSIDER: The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthians after they had a conflict. In this portion of the letter, he addresses the fact that the Corinthians, in their hardness of heart, had not saved up to offer a gift to the believers in Jerusalem who were suffering because of a recent famine. Paul challenges believers to remember that they are on the receiving end of God’s generosity and that God first gives what they can then give to others. God’s gifts are not just for us; they are meant to bless those around us. Take a few moments and consider what you have been blessed with. 

REFLECT: How does giving and serving others make you feel? When was the last time you gave something to someone in need? How did it make the receiver feel? How did you feel?  God has also tucked a blessing into giving, and that gift should overflow into thanksgiving to God. If you’ve recently been blessed to be a giver, take a few moments to thank God. If you haven’t been a giver in a while, take some time to ask God where and to who you can be of service. 

PRAY

• Thanksgivings to God for all that He has given you. 
• Ask God to give you a clear understanding of how He has supplied and multiplied your provision so that you can share it with others. 
• Ask God to show you how to share with others and be a conduit of His goodness and blessing.