30 December 2 Corinthians 9

The blessing of giving

2 Corinthians 9:8(TLB) God is able to make it up to you by giving you everything you need and more so that there will not only be enough for your own needs but plenty left over to give joyfully to others.From this passage, God blesses those that give, and when God blesses us, He provides more than enough, based on our attitude towards giving. These attitudes are:- The give must be a willing give: 2 Corinthians 9:7(NIV) Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. - The more you give, the more you will receive: Luke 6:38(NIV) "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." - Decide in your heart how much you will give: 2 Corinthians 9:7(NRSV) Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.- Love to give: 2 Corinthians 9:7(ESV) Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.What are the results of giving?- You will be blessed with overflow: Proverbs 11:24-25(NIV) One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. - By giving out of overflow, you will bless others, and they will also receive a blessing: Proverbs 11:25(ESV) Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered. 2 Corinthians 9:8(NIV) And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. - As a result of your giving to others, they will give glory to God: 2 Corinthians 9:12(NIV) 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.- Your generosity in giving will prove that you are obedient to God: 2 Corinthians 9:13(NIV) 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. These scriptures emphasise the positive outcomes of giving, including blessings, the ability to bless others, glorifying God, and demonstrating obedience to Him through generous acts of giving.