2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NRSV)
Read 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 on biblegateway.com
Verse 6The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Verse 7Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Verse 8And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. Verse 9As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever." Verse 10He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. Verse 11You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; Verse 12for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. Verse 13Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others, Verse 14while they long for you and pray for you because of the surpassing grace of God that he has given you. Verse 15Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
Devotion
Hatred produces violence produces retribution. Hurricanes expose the poor exposes racism. Power produces politics produces corruption. Which comes first, the chicken or the egg?
Regardless, we are daily inundated with news from around the world of escalating fear, hatred and violence. Today we read the antidote in our text.
Generosity produces service produces thanksgiving. What comes first? It really doesn’t matter. A society that understands that the bounty they possess is a gift from God also understands that these gifts are not permanent. They are to be used for the betterment of all people everywhere. What would happen in our communities, in our nation and in the world if we gave generously of our time serving others in thanksgiving to God?
Prayer
We give you thanks, Almighty God, for the generosity you place in our hearts. Encourage us to stay the course until violence, hatred, and fear are embraced by kindness. To you be the glory forever. Amen.