As it is written: “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 NABRE
In this second letter to the community at Corinth, the section with the quoted verse is challenging the community to make a donation that can be given to the church in Jerusalem. Paul is asking the Corinthians to be generous in their giving, he uses an agricultural reference saying “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6) Paul speaks to it as a blessing, whoever has been blessed by God, can bless others. As Paul is asking them to give generously he is also letting them know that they will receive blessing in return. How will God bless them? By providing whatever they need. On top of the blessing, those who receive their generosity will pray for those giving the help. While the final gift will be a collection, Paul is challenging each individual to give without regret and as much as possible. God loves a cheerful giver so each person gives, without sadness or compulsion. The gift should not be from force or any kind of pressure. Paul wants their gift to be offered with freedom and joy. Paul grounds the exhortation with a reference to Psalms 112:9 “he gives to the poor, his righteousness endures forever.”
Ultimately the collection rests upon the will of God. God is able to make everything abundant for those in need and us. Using the word grace, Paul is declaring the results and the return, are abundant from God. But beyond spiritual blessings God will take care of material need as well. God gives material resources in order that they may be shared. So with God the generous person and community will always have what they need!
Are you generous? Have you witnessed the generosity of God?
God gives material resources in order that they may be shared. So with God the generous person and community will always have what they need! Share on X#bible’#godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #generous #giving #Paul #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray #prayer #goodnews #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways