God’s Renewing Word of Unity in Christ Jesus
Introduction
2 Corinthians 9:1-15: Today’s reading continues Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians to give generously to the collection for the followers of Jesus in Jerusalem. He says that God will increase what the people have so that they can give even more. He says that their gifts will not only help others in their need, but that it will also help others praise God.
Scripture Reading
Help for Needy Believers
1There is really no need for me to write you about the help being sent to God’s people in Judea. 2I know that you are willing to help, and I have boasted of you to the people in Macedonia. “The believers in Achaia,” I said, “have been ready to help since last year.” Your eagerness has stirred up most of them. 3Now I am sending these believers, so that our boasting about you in this matter may not turn out to be empty words. But, just as I said, you will be ready with your help. 4However, if the people from Macedonia should come with me and find out that you are not ready, how ashamed we would be—not to speak of your shame—for feeling so sure of you! 5So I thought it was necessary to urge these believers to go to you ahead of me and get ready in advance the gift you promised to make. Then it will be ready when I arrive, and it will show that you give because you want to, not because you have to.
6Remember that the person who plants few seeds will have a small crop; the one who plants many seeds will have a large crop. 7 You should each give, then, as you have decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly. 8And God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause. 9 As the scripture says,
“He gives generously to the needy;
his kindness lasts forever.”
10 And God, who supplies seed for the sower and bread to eat, will also supply you with all the seed you need and will make it grow and produce a rich harvest from your generosity. 11He will always make you rich enough to be generous at all times, so that many will thank God for your gifts which they receive from us. 12For this service you perform not only meets the needs of God’s people, but also produces an outpouring of gratitude to God. 13And because of the proof which this service of yours brings, many will give glory to God for your loyalty to the gospel of Christ, which you profess, and for your generosity in sharing with them and everyone else. 14And so with deep affection they will pray for you because of the extraordinary grace God has shown you. 15Let us thank God for his priceless gift!
Today’s Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 9:8
God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause.
Reflect
Reread verses 12-15. Paul says that these gifts have value beyond their material worth. Not only do they provide for people in need, but they also provide people with an example of God’s abundant love and blessings. Have you ever experienced a sense of God’s love through the generosity of others? What actions can you take to reveal and share God’s love with someone today?
Pray
Gracious God, your abundance surrounds me. Thank you for the many gifts you have given me. Help me to be generous with others, that I may bring honor and praise to you and so that others may more deeply understand and experience your love. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
2 Corinthians 10:1-18: The apostle Paul defends his ministry.