Thursday, September 7

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

In 2 Corinthians 9, Paul encourages his readers to take a generous approach to supporting their fellow believers.  He explains that giving would not prohibit them from supplying their own needs; rather, God would "bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (9:9)

Furthermore, their generosity in the present would actually propel greater opportunities for generosity in the future:  "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." (9:11)  Moreover, their generosity would lead to God's receiving thanksgiving for His provision through His people.

How may we experience the "cheerful" aspect of giving, in a world where everything seems so expensive and others seem more blessed than we are?  Like Paul and his Corinthian friends, we will do well to consider giving as a "vertical" matter rather than a "horizontal" matter.  By "vertical," I mean that giving may reflect the love of God to others and our connection to Him.  By "horizontal," I refer to the thinking that can hinder our generosity, namely:  (1) confusing wants and needs and (2) being distracted with watching others' consumption.

Knowing that God will provide our needs gives us confidence to live generously.  We give part of the blessings that we have received so that His praises may ring throughout the earth.  With Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma, the Church has an opportunity to bless those who are hurting, sharing the love of Christ.  While there is always pain in tragedy, this opening to show love may lead to changed lives.

On the flip side, envy tends to rot our minds.  I read this morning about an upcoming movie called "Brad's Status."  The premise is that Brad, played by Ben Stiller, struggles with envying his friends, who he believes to have achieved greater success than he, and even his son, who has received favorable looks from some elite colleges.  His insecurity gnaws at him.  In contrast, God's great love for us gives us the confidence to give freely out of our own thankfulness.

Lord God, thank You for the indescribable gift of the new life we have received in Christ.  May we understand Your great generosity and how we may reflect Your love, in part, to a hurting world.  We long to know You more and to share Your love with others.  Bring healing and hope to those suffering after Hurricane Harvey, and protect those in the path of Hurricane Irma.  Give the Church wisdom on how best to bring glory to Your Name and to demonstrate Your loving care for hurting people.  In Jesus's Name, amen.