Have you ever wondered why God has given you what He has given you?  The Apostle Paul spoke to the Corinthians about this very thing.  He was collecting an offering for the believers in Jerusalem that were under extreme persecution.  The Corinthians were giving generously to this help fund.  2 Corinthians 9:11  ^“Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.”  Their obedience in giving would produce thanks to God, be a witness to others of their generosity and faith in the gospel of Christ.  In return, the believers in Jerusalem would thank God and pray for them in love.  They would also praise God for His grace (unmerited favor) that God had showed them through the believers in Corinth.   9:14 “And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you.”   So, that which God gave you – you gave away and the giving gave glory to God and returned to you in grace and thanksgiving.  Wow! What a wonderful circle!  Paul exclaims in 9:15 “Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words!”  The gift Paul is speaking of is Christ.  Because in Him and through Him all things can and do work for God’s glory.  Serving the gospel of Christ to others by giving monetarily or working in ministry gives glory to God and uplifts the name of Jesus.  He is worthy of our praise and thanks.  His gift of love and grace to us is indeed too wonderful for words!!

Where is your circle of generosity going?  God desires that we give generously just as He has given generously to us.  Create thanks today by giving something God has given you to someone else- it need not be money- a kind word, a smile, a helping hand are all things we can give to others that bring honor and thanks to God.

Looking outward today with thanks,

Linda