November 27, 2020
The Grace of Giving
Lisa Morrone
Today’s Truth
“But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving” (2 Corinthians 8:7, NIV).
Friend to Friend
I grew up in a family whose finances were, let’s say, “slim.” On occasion, our church congregation would unexpectedly leave a box of much needed groceries at our front door or step in and pay our mortgage in times when we fell behind.
When I was four years old, my father was involved in a near-death auto accident which totaled our family’s only vehicle. I remember the day when Mr. Mitchell, one of the beloved elders of our church, came by to visit after my dad had healed. He handed my father the keys to one of his own cars. My father was extremely reluctant to accept such a generous gift. Sensing this, Mr. Mitchell said, “Joe, do you have a dollar?”
“A dollar, I have,” my dad replied.
Mr. Mitchell held out his hand with a broad smile on his face and said that was the exact price of the car!
What I didn’t realize back then as a child, but now recognize full well, is that I was being taught—first hand—the grace of giving that the Apostle Paul speaks of in Today’s Truth.
“But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving” (2 Corinthians 8:7, NIV).
Paul was imploring the people of God to sow their riches generously into the lives of their more needy brothers and sisters—for both parties’ benefit! In chapter nine of the same letter, Paul further encourages the Corinthian church goers with this passage:
“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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. 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 it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor;
their righteousness endures forever.”
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” (2 Corinthians 9:6-11, NIV).
The benefits of the grace of giving really do flow in both directions. Please let me be clear; what Paul is NOT teaching is some kind of prosperity gospel (sow some $ and you’ll reap more $). Rather, when Paul says of the giver: “You will be enriched in every way so that you can “in every way.”
What might these earthly riches (seeds to sow) look like? I believe they include the sharable riches of one’s peace, joy, time, talents, giftings, physical helps, wisdom, emotional strength, encouragement, and, of course, tangible and monetary gifts.
We have all been on the receiving end of the grace-filled giving when Jesus gave His perfect life in exchange for our sin-riddled soul. He graciously gave us the gift of salvation which none of us deserve or ever earn.
My dad drove that car for many years, but Mr. Mitchell’s example of what grace-filled giving will last a lifetime.
How might you be the reason someone offers thanksgiving to God today?
Let’s Pray
Oh, Gracious Giver, forgive me for the times I had something to offer and held back. Going forward, help me seek creative and abundant ways to sow the seeds of the sharable riches You’ve given me into others’ lives.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
Now It's Your Turn: What sharable riches do you have to sow into the lives of others? If you’re feeling like you’ve been less-than-your-generous-best in the past, what do you think has held you back? What change in mindset can you ask the Lord for so that you can sow out of your abundance and harvest a truckload of righteousness in the process?
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© 2020 by Lisa Morrone. All rights reserved.
Originally published Friday, 27 November 2020.
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