image by lovefortheunderdog.org
“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of our our righteousness.
You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-11
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Ellen DeGeneres is generous.
Every day on her show someone in need benefits from her generosity.
And it is usually because Ellen has learned of their generosity or selfless acts.
Recently a school boy who bakes and sells cookies to help support his mom and himself received a car from Ellen.
The audience cheered.
The mom and the boy and Ellen shared a group hug.
Each time that I see this kind of generosity I’m reminded of the greatest act of generosity ever given–that of our Heavenly Father giving His only Son to die for our sins and to give us a brand new life–and we didn’t even do a thing to deserve such a great gift!
God continues to lavish on us His gifts of grace and love and mercy–so much so that it spills over out of our lives to touch the lives of others.
The Corinthian Christians had experienced God’s healing touch and lavish grace within their troubled congregation. Their outward response was pledging to help the needy saints in Jerusalem. St. Paul told them God would supply them with all they would need to fulfill that pledge. Thanksgiving would abound.
How can we be generous with God’s gifts to us this week?
Lord God, your great love for us overflows in all that you do for us. We thank and praise you for forgiving our sins and making us whole. May we freely share these good gifts with those around us whether with a good word, a smile, a five dollar bill or a bottle of water. Let us love and care for others even as we are loved and cared for by you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“I will praise your great compassion
Faithful Father, God of grace,
That with all our fallen race
In our depth of degredation
You had mercy so that we
Might be saved eternally.”
~ Johannes Olearius
A personal note: For the last three years I’ve had the privilege of writing daily devotions on my blog “What’s the Good Word?” Through this wonderful blogging community I’ve learned much, grown much and cherished the interactions with you. Tomorrow I begin full time studies as a graduate student at Concordia Seminary. My time for blogging may be at a premium, and I just wanted to let you know that I will still be checking in, but perhaps not as regularly as I have in the past. May you continue to be in God’s Word daily and let it richly dwell in you. Let’s stay in touch! Blessings ~ Laura
What's The Good Word? 