Enough to Give

 Enough to Give

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)

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.

Devotion:

Paul writes this verse in the middle of a fundraising appeal, which is worth noticing. The Corinthians had pledged help for the poor believers in Jerusalem, and Paul wants them to finish what they began. His method is not pressure but promise. Having urged them to give cheerfully, he now tells them why they can: God is able.

Few verses are so full of the word "all." In all things, at all times, having all that you need, abounding in every good work. Paul piles it up as if to leave no corner of life uncovered. The point is not that believers will be wealthy. It is that God's supply is never outrun by his call. Where he commands generosity, he provides the means for it, and where he assigns a work, he gives the strength to do it.

This is not a prosperity promise, and we should say so plainly. Paul knew hunger and want, and the Macedonian churches he has just praised gave out of what he calls "extreme poverty." Having all you need is not the same as having all you want. God defines sufficiency as a wise Father, not as a vending machine.

Notice also the purpose clause. We are blessed so that we may abound in good works. Blessing is not a reservoir to hoard but a stream to pass along. The abundance God gives always has a destination, and the destination is other people. A congregation that grasps this stops asking, "How little can we spare?" and starts asking, "What has God placed in our hands for the sake of others?"

Underneath it all is grace. Behind the NIV's "bless" stands the Greek word for grace itself. Good works, then, are not the price of God's favor but its overflow. Christ, who though rich became poor for our sake, is both the pattern and the source of our giving. We give from what we have first received from him.

Consider this week as a time when God may be calling you to give: money, time, attention, hospitality. Do not first inspect your resources and then decide. Begin with the God who is able, and trust that he will supply what he asks.

Prayer:

Lord, money is a sensitive topic with us humans. We often feel we never have enough, but you say we have all we need and more. Help us to see things through your eyes. May we be a generous people who give all we can of our time, talent, and treasure to the cause of furthering the gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us never be stingy with what you have given us. Open our tightly closed fists that the world may know you. Amen.