Today’s scripture: 2 Cor 9:1-15 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (David Zier):
The church in Jerusalem was in need. Paul writes to the Corinthian church to be generous.
2 Corinthians 9:6-12
“The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, ‘One scatters abroad, One gives to the poor…righteousness endures forever.’ The One (God) who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.”
In a series called “Loving Beyond” (lesson 6), a speaker from Kenya is talking about what it means to give to the poor. He says that giving should not be about being commanded to do so, but doing so because being a follower of Jesus instills a stronger sense of compassion and empathy on those who are less fortunate. It is giving to God.
Paul tells the church of Corinth how they will be enriched by their generosity. He also mentions how doing so gives praise and thanks to God. Giving and being generous as an act of worship sounds a lot like what Jesus wants us to do. Watch the video.
Thought for the day: Luke 21:3-4: “Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them; for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.