Devotion:
Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.
Our views on giving should be grounded first and foremost in the God we worship. Throughout the Bible and in our own life, we see and experience the generosity of God. We see the ultimate expression of this divine generosity in God’s gift of his only Son for the whole world. At the core of our God is this Spirit of generosity and abundance.
Our views on giving also come from a balanced understanding of receiving. We take stock of all we have been given, the many ways and times we have been blessed. Whether it is family and friends, skills and talents, education, financial resources or other areas, we have much for which to be thankful. At the same time, we have much from which to draw in order to bless others.
The writer of this letter is correct: the ideal is not about giving under compulsion or guilt. Eugene Peterson in The Message translates verse 7 this way: “I want each of you to take plenty of time to think it over, and make up your own mind what you will give. That will protect you against sob stories and arm-twisting. God loves it when the giver delights in the giving.” After all, God certainly delights in giving. So when we learn to give (in whatever way) with that kind of attitude, we more closely and fully represent our God. And we thereby help other people come to know this God.
It’s another area where it’s most fulfilling to live a balanced life: receive what God has to offer, then give as you have received.
Personal Worship Option:
The “Doxology” of the Church says “Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” Do that, then let them flow through you.
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