“You will be abundantly enriched in every way as you give generously on every occasion, for when we take your gifts to those in need, it causes many to give thanks to God. The priestly ministry you are providing through your offering not only supplies what is lacking for God’s people, it inspires an outpouring of praises and thanksgiving to God himself. For as your extremely generous offering meets the approval of those in Jerusalem, it will cause them to give glory to God-all because of your loyal support and allegiance to the gospel of Christ, as well as your generous-hearted partnership with them toward those in need. Because of this extraordinary peace, which God has lavished on you, they will affectionately remember you in their prayers. Praise God for his astonishing gift, which is far too great for words!” 2 Corinthians 9:11-15 TPT
It is the time of year that we find ourselves scrambling from place-to-place attempting to find that perfect gift for family and friends. Many times, in the midst of it all, frustration can begin to take over, in an attempt to steal our joy. Our gifting, or the ability to gve, should be a feeling, or a practice that we carry within us throughout the year. It is through our gifting that as a church body, we grow, not only within its walls, but throughout the surrounding community all through the year.
In this passage, the Apostle Paul is explaining not only the importance of giving, but also the blessings received, by not only the recipient, but also the one who gives. Providing for those in need, inspires an outpouring of praise and thanksgiving to God, himself, to the one who gives, as well as those receiving. We are to remember that God is our source for everything, so within our giving, or our gifting, we can never out-give Him, therefore, in our giving, we are asking for His source of lasting peace.
Heavenly Father, help us to remember that in your love for us, you gave your most precious gift, that of your Son, for which we are ever so thankful.
In Christ Love
Margaret