2 Corinthians 9:6-15 Giving out of the Abundance of God!

2 Corinthians 9: 6-15

New International Version (NIV)

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.”^[a]

 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!

Daniel’s Thoughts:

As I have read the Old Testament often amongst all of the sacrifices and offerings to God I have wondered about the willingness of these people to give to God. Yet I love the verses which are abundant in scripture that we should give what our heart brings us to give, not out of guilt or reluctantly but out of thanksgiving and joy!

God is a God of abundance and not scarcity! He provides for us abundantly so that we have all we need and all that we need for his work.

When we give generously we are blessed abundantly.

Verses 12-15 gives so much vision for what it is to give and how it is a way to partner in ministry! As I prepare for my time as InterVarsity Intern and maybe full time staff this is a blessing to see how in the bible vision for fund raising. For I will be fund raising to support my career on staff. This is not a burden, but a part of ministry to partner with other people for their support of my ministry so that together we can live out God’s calling to college students.

Daniel’s Prayer:

God

I want to trust in you alone

I know that you are a God of abundance and not scarcity!

Let my offerings to you be generous and from my heart

I want to give out of joy

I want to trust in you

Let my security be in you and not money or success

Give me vision for ministry and fundraising

I believe you have called me to ministry

I trust you will provide abundantly for this call.

I want to trust in you

God you have provided for me. 

All I have is yours given to me as a gift.

My life has been blessed and I have lived in abundance.

Keep changing my heart to give

Out of love and not obligation

In wisdom and patient care

God let my hope and my trust be in you!

Thanks be to you for all we have!

Amen