Good morning. In today’s reading we will start and finish second Corinthians chapter 9. Chapter 9, continues the conversation of the church giving and collections.

Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 NLT

“9 I really don’t need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem.^[a] 2 For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece^[b]were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving.

³ But I am sending these brothers to be sure you really are ready, as I have been telling them, and that your money is all collected. I don’t want to be wrong in my boasting about you. ⁴ We would be embarrassed—not to mention your own embarrassment—if some Macedonian believers came with me and found that you weren’t ready after all I had told them! ⁵ So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly.

⁶ Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. ⁷ You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.”^[c]8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. ⁹ As the Scriptures say, 

“They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”^[d]

¹⁰ For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity^[e] in you.

¹¹ Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. ¹² So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem^[f] will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.

¹³ As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. ¹⁴ And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. ¹⁵ Thank God for this gift^[g] too wonderful for words!”

Reflection

God doesn’t praise all gifts the same way. In these verses we see three things:

• The giver’s sincerity (not reluctantly)
• The giver’s spontaneity (not under compulsion)
• The giver’s joyful willingness (a cheerful giver).

We understand that Christians can dispense only what they have received, material or spiritual. Whatever it is, it is through God’s enabling. We know in all things God alone is the One who supplies what is needed. As He provides for us we should also share in being a blessing to others. God’s greatest gift given to us was through his son Jesus Christ and in Him there is eternal salvation and spiritual riches, all because of God’s grace.

The Corinthians understood this and so do we. Let us help where God has blessed us to be a blessing to others.

Prayer

Father God we thank for waking us up this morning. We thank you for your grace and mercy upon our lives. We thank you for sending your son Jesus to save us. Lord, as you continue to transform us – our hearts, our minds, our speech, and our relationship with you – help us to seek you. Help us to constantly rekindle our love and relationship with you.

Lord, give us strength to pursue you and the things you have called us to. Lord, let there be a revival in our hearts. Soften our hearts and our minds to hear from you and walk in obedience. Lord, let your Holy Spirit speak clearly to us and help us to walk in step with the Spirit.

Lord, continue to heal those who had surgery last week, be with those having surgery today, and next month. Lord, put your hands on each physician and work through them. Lord, continue to work in the hearts of those in need of discernment and peace. Help those who want to give, but are struggling financially. Lord, help those who want to be a blessing in different ways be able to use their spiritual gifts in a way that glorifies you in this season. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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