Wednesday, August 21 - 2 Corinthians 9

2 Corinthians 9

New International Version (NIV)

9 There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the Lord’s people. ² For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action. ³ But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be. ⁴ For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to say anything about you—would be ashamed of having been so confident. ⁵ 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.

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!
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SURPRISING JOY

   I'm sure you all know the feeling -- when a loved one is opening your gift and it's something you know he/she will enjoy, you sit and watch with eager anticipation.  And when you see the expression of appreciation in his/her face, it makes the cost of the gift pale in comparison to the gladness you feel at accomplishing something.

   Last year I gave the gift of Packers tickets to some of my kids, and it was so fun to go to the game and watch the energy that came from their enjoyment of the gift.

   The other day, I saw Karenni children smile with glee when they opened a bag of stuffed animals given as a gift from someone who had donated them.

   When you open your heart and give a gift, try to picture the joy that it brings both to the Lord and to His people.  See faces light up as needs are met, as ministry is carried out, and rejoice that you are part of God's team to accomplish something great.

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