Food. Have you ever been hungry? Like, feel like you are going to pass out and (due to a lack of nutrition) reach the point where you lost the hunger and decide that it must be because your stomach forgot what it even felt like to consume food? I can sometimes relate. Being hungry is a bummer. I hate to invoke guilt, but yes it's coming. Take about 25 steps back and contemplate those in the third world countries who go weeks with no substance, months, and years? Yes, they exist and sadly, these people often die. Whether or not we go without eating because we cannot afford the food, the point is that there are many people who cannot eat because they do not have real food. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to cut a meal out for the sake of others.
Now because God is generous, He expects us in the same way to be generous to other people. Paul teaches us this in 2 Corinthians 9 when he says, "6The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9As it is written, his righteousness endures forever.”“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; 10He 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. 11You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God."
Now because God is generous, He expects us in the same way to be generous to other people. Paul teaches us this in 2 Corinthians 9 when he says, "6The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. 9As it is written, his righteousness endures forever.”“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; 10He 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. 11You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God."
Now--
Go back to those hungry thoughts. Being generous doesn't necessarily involve giving money or food (even money for food). It can be as simple as spending time to pray with or for someone, offering services, or sharing skills. Generosity will lead us to a life of peace, joy, and love. Being generous softens our hearts, lessons our obsessions with material things, and ultimately strengthens our spiritual walk with God. If generosity is something that you struggle with, maybe it would be a good idea to ask for the Lord's help with something simple like sharing your gifts and talents with someone and then build up to more.
God's nature is generosity, kindness, love, and selflessness. Basically? He Cares.
Whether we know it or not, He is concerned with our well-being and wants to bless us. The best part about this is that is exactly what He does. The Lord is constantly finding new and exciting ways to bless His children. In Luke 6:38 it says, "For if you give, you will get" Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give -- large or small -- will be used to measure what is given back to you."
And that's that. Thanks for studying the Corinthians letters with me! We finished my little series, next week we'll talk about something fresh. For now, blessings and love on this sunny Sunday :)
Much love,
V
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