Day 49: Generosity

2 Corinthians 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

What exactly does generosity mean to you?  Chapter 8 begins with a heading that says: Generosity Encouraged.  In this chapter, Paul goes into an explanation in his 2nd letter to the Corinthians that their generosity is encouraged.

⁸I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 2 Corinthians 8:8

¹¹Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. 2 Corinthians 8:11

²⁴Therefore show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so that the churches can see it. 2 Corinthians 8:24

Then, chapter 9 has a heading that says: Sowing Generously.

⁶Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. ⁷Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 6-7

Generosity in short is the surpassing grace God has given to each of us.  By exercising our generosity – that was bestowed on us who were undeserving, we show others the true power of love – the most important of God’s spiritual gifts.  By showing generosity, we show that we recognize our undeserving worth.

¹⁵Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15

Dear Lord:  I praise you for the indescribable gift of generosity.  I realize more and more in my development of faith, just how undeserving I am.  Yet, you covered me in your generous and awe inspiring love and forgiveness.  Help me to exude that in my own personal actions – so that others may truly see your work in me.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.