SCRIPTURE: 2 Corinthians 8-9
“In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” (2 Corinthians 8:2)
Do trials or times of poverty produce overflowing joy or rich generosity in me?
In these two chapters Paul manages to avoid using guilt as a motive for giving.
He shows how God’s grace can multiply into ‘cheerful’ (literally ‘hilarious’) giving.
The tone here is so different from how money is usually talked about in the church.
Does Paul’s vivid language (overflowing joy, welled up, rich generosity) describe me?
And even if I admit it doesn’t, does it describe how I want to be?
Jesus came to turn our world right-side up (it only seems upside down because we are).
God’s world (kingdom of God) is a world of love, generosity, sharing, caring, mutual support.
God pours His blessings in, and we spread them out so that no one is lacking.
“At the present time your plenty will supply what they need, so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality.” (2 Corinthians 8:14)
Sadly many people (Christians?) seem to be missing out on God’s plan for overflowing joy.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I want this. Light this fire in my heart. Make me joyful and generous in this kind of way!