2 Corinthians Chapter 9
By Pastor Chris
Give It Away …
In 2 Corinthians Chapter 9 Paul is encouraging the Corinthians for their readiness to give. It is not made clear what they are giving, but Paul indicated that it is quite generous and that he is impressed by the act. Paul ends 2 Corinthians 9 with this paragraph:
10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness; 11 you will be enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God. 13 Because of the proof given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all, 14 while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9)
In this passage Paul makes the case that being faithful to giving can be a blessing to three different people.
The first is that it simply does something for someone in need. Whether in the gift is monetary, quality time, words of encouragement, a present, a hug or even a smile the gift meets a need for the recipient. Any of these kinds of gifts can seem like a miracle when someone is at the end of their rope and cannot see hope anywhere. It gives them hope that people do indeed care for them and causes them to thank God for the blessing of God’s love in their life.
Being faithful in giving, as Paul instructs, brings a blessing to the giver. The joy of blessing others through any kind of giving is a great benefit of being obedient to Jesus’ command to love each other. There is nothing wrong with feeling good about doing something selfless for someone in need.
The final blessing goes to God. When we are a blessing to others God is praised by the recipient, by the giver and by the body of Christ. People see good deeds and praise not the giver, but The Giver of All. Oftentimes it is when someone inexplicably blesses someone that his or her heart is softened and can become receptive to the Good News of Christ.
