Read:
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. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;their righteousness endures forever.”Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lordʼs people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
~2 Corinthians 9:6-15
Consider:
This is the time of year that almost everyone is focused on gifts. We spend time shopping for that perfect gift for our family members and loved ones. And if we are honest, we like receiving thoughtful gifts as well. But there are so many wonderful gifts that cannot be bought from a store or online. The gift of our time. The gift of our attention. The gift of seeing, caring, and helping.
God has gifted each of us something we can give to others. The size of the gift does not matter, for God is the one who supplies His abundance to us. As our heart for generosity grows, His abundance grows as well. 2 Corinthians 4:8-11 reminds us:
And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written:“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;their righteousness endures forever.”Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Breathe:
Breathe in His love…exhale all your struggles…
Very few people are naturally generous, but God’s grace for us and our love for Him transforms our hearts to become more like Him~a generous giver.
Journal:
- In what areas is it easy for you to be generous? (time, attention, money?)
- In what areas do you struggle being generous?
- Take some time to pray and ask God to prompt your heart today to give generously to someone else.
Pray:
Lord~You have given us so much. We are completely undeserving of Your indescribable gift of grace. And You require nothing in return from us. Instead, You desire to transform us into a gift of blessing to others. Help us to recognize that when we give to others we do not lose anything. Rather, You abundantly bless us with more so we can continue this giving that comes from You. Help us as we richly receive Your gift of grace to become Your generous gift to others. In Jesus name we pray…Amen.
Comment:
Share some way God is calling you to be a gift to others during this Christmas season.