2 Corinthians 9:10-15 ESV
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. For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God. By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others, while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
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
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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