FRIDAY 10/9
Read 2 Corinthians 9:5-11
So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given.
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:
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!
Here in his second letter to the Christians at Corinth the Apostle Paul writes a personal thank you note. The Corinthians have sent him a generous financial gift. So Paul takes the time to thank then and also to teach about importance of giving generously. Generosity blesses others. It honors God. It meets practical needs. It reminds us all of God’s very best gift - Jesus.
Reflect
Questions
Think about all the ways it helped Paul when he received financial support from others. How could your giving be a blessing to someone this week?
Write a thank you note or email or text to someone who has blessed your life recently.
Think about all the ways it helped Paul when he received financial support from others. How could your giving be a blessing to someone this week?
Write a thank you note or email or text to someone who has blessed your life recently.
Read the passage again slowly. List at least three ways this passage speaks to you and your journey to become more generous.
Prayer
Father God thank you for your word which teaches me to be more generous. Help me to remember that you don’t just ask me to give more of myself and my stuff - you gave me Jesus. Anything I give to you or to other people is just a small portion of all you have given me. May your gracious love fill me up and splash over on someone else today. Amen.
Memory Verse
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 NIV
Share
Gather some family friends together and read the passage. Then ask this question:
How does giving to others enrich us? Let’s make a list together.
DFM Nation
Next Sunday Pastor Shane Bengry will dive into more in depth teaching on how to overcome Sloth with Diligence. Take a moment to pray for and invite someone.
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