Generous Giving

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Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:9 (ESV)

 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.

Devotion:

            The purpose behind Paul’s writing here in 2nd Corinthians was to encourage the believers in Corinth to give generously to help their brothers and sisters in Macedonia. Paul does this by pointing back to Jesus’ self-giving in the incarnation, death, and resurrection. It is amazing to consider that the God who created the entire universe cared so much for His creation that He would die for us. It makes no earthly sense. However, the wisdom of God who came to us is not based on human reason.

            Indeed, we must be grateful for God’s grace. While we were still stuck in our sinful ways we were made right with God through the impossible gift of His Son. We who believe in Christ take it as a matter of faith that there was never a time when Christ did not exist. This means that Christ gave up his glorious throne in heaven to become flesh and dwell among us in the person of Jesus Christ. He did this because of His great love for humankind. As a result of His obedience, He now sits in heaven waiting to return to gather His people to Him.

            How should we give thanks for this incredible gift of God that we have in the self-giving sacrifice of Jesus? The context of the rest of the passage in 2nd Corinthians gives us one concrete way we are to this gift. It is by generous, cheerful giving to meet the needs of others. If we respond in this way we will be blessed in return from God in heaven. Now, we should not fall prey to the predations of those who would abuse our generosity. Rather, we are to discern real needs and give to meet those needs.

            Let us, therefore, celebrate and praise our Savior Jesus Christ. Glorifying Him for His generous giving of Himself for our salvation.

Prayer:

            Magnify the Lord with me. Let us exalt His name forever. Help us to give sacrificially and graciously to meet the needs of those in any kind of need. Let us give thanks to the one who rescued us from the power of sin and death. Let us humbly bow and worship God who has provided us with a hope that conquers even death. Amen.

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