Overflowing Grace
And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having
all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:8 NKJV
Christians are not subject to the Law but to grace. God has saved us by His grace and given us all things to enjoy richly because of His overabundant kindness, so we are encouraged to be generous in our gifts and giving not because it is mandated by law or because a certain percentage of our income must be set aside to satisfy the demands of a church body or the proclamations of a denomination, but because it pleases Him.
As sinners saved by grace, we understand that God’s grace has been lavishly poured on all who trust in His name, for though we were dead in our trespasses and sins with no hope in the world, God sent His Son to die for us on the Cross and gave us a gift at enormous cost to Himself: a free gift of grace to all who believe; a gift with eternal consequences.
In context, this verse explains a God-given truth found throughout His Word. According to Proverbs, a giving person will succeed, and whoever refreshes others will also be refreshed, whereas Job tells us that those who sow discord and cultivate evil will reap the same. And in Galatians, Paul writes the famous phrase, “A person will reap what he sows.” In these concluding comments to the church in Corinth, Paul once more contrasts the wisdom of charity with the foolishness of selfishness.
We are not to cultivate an unbiblical “prosperity gospel” mentality but to give judiciously. We ought to offer gladly and without reluctance; it is preferable not to give at all than to have bitterness in our gifts. Giving should also be a personal decision made in the stillness of our hearts rather than a response to the expectations of others. It should be a deliberate decision and not an action performed for the praise of men, but rather to glorify our Father in heaven, for God loves a cheerful giver: “And He is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in every way, you will always have everything you need to excel in every good work.”
Reflect
Think about your attitude towards giving. Are you cheerful or reluctant? If you are not prompt to do it, hilarious giver, repent. Decide to take this positive attitude toward future giving.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, because of my love for You, grant me a giving heart that gives gladly and willingly to others. I could never be as generous as you but let me try as I am presented with opportunities to sow and be a cheerful giver. Thank You for the free gift of salvation and everything that You have abundantly and freely poured upon me by Your grace. In Jesus’ name, I pray.
Upcoming Connect 21 Events
- Saturday Morning Prayer (Jan 28th @ 9 am at Latimer Hall – The Way UMC)
- Sunday Morning Worship ( Jan 29th @ 10 am at River Ridge High School)