Generosity Encouraged
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 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. 8 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. 9 As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”
10 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. 11 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.
12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 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. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NIV)
Late one night, standing on the platform waiting for a subway, I was approached by a homeless man. With no sign of the train, I turned an ear to hear his story — the same story I had heard from many who live on the streets of our city: drugs, crime, the loss of a loved one, and a life in disarray. He was just looking for some food. We had a light moment laughing about our favorite sports teams, and I felt moved to help him. As the train pulled in, I handed him more money than he might usually see, knowing it was enough to get him into safe, clean lodging around the corner. He was shocked at the gift, and I was shocked at the phrase that came from my lips: “Let God bless you.”
As the train pulled away, the meaning of that moment hit me. In that instant, God had brought two paths together — one where a blessing was needed and one where many blessings had already been given. I am incredibly thankful for the blessings of my life. But in that moment, I could see that I had been blessed to be a blessing, just as Paul had told the Christians in Corinth. Faith turns our hearts to God for blessing in our most dire moments. But that same faith can lead us to approach life with open eyes and open hearts to bless others.
Prayer
O God, giver of all good, use us to convey your blessing to our brothers and sisters. Amen.
Prayer focus - Those on the edges of society
“Sing to God, sing in praise of his name, extol him who rides on the clouds; rejoice before him—his name is the LORD. A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” -
Psalm 68:4-5
