Scripture: II Corinthians 9:10-13
“Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.”
Observation
We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Jesus loved and served others. As we give generously, meet needs, and serve others, we are pointing them to God.
Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ
And as we live out our faith by giving and serving generously, He promises to fill our bucket so that we can continue to give and serve, ever enlarging the harvest of righteousness.
Application
I got so excited when I read this chapter! God is speaking to me about serving our community and I believe he is also speaking to us as a church.
I don’t want to be just a hearer – I want to be a doer. I want to act on my faith. I don’t want to close my eyes to the needs around me. I want to love others like Jesus did. People need to hear about Jesus - and they also need to feel his love and care for them.
Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ
When we meet needs, it opens people up and softens their hearts. People are much more open to hearing about God’s love for them when they feel cared for. We can tell them God loves them and wants to be in relationship with them, but we also need to show them.
Prayer
God, please show me what it means to serve my community. Show me how to love as you do. Show me how to love with no expectations and no strings attached, simply loving and serving others because of your great love for them. Nudge me to give generously. Grow my faith to trust that you want to bless others through me. Continue to stir up my heart. Guide and direct me. Teach me to listen to your promptings.
- Debbie Dunn
