Knowing The Word in 2 Corinthians 9:8-11, God Helps Us Give

8 And 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. 9 As it is written,

“He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”

10 He 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. 11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

God helps us to give. Paul quotes from Psalm 112:9. The Corinthians have an opportunity to be like God by giving to those in need. There is a connection between material giving and righteousness. Righteousness is not simply an inner quality of purity of the heart. It also involves justice and generosity toward others. The evidence that one is righteous or just is found in one’s actions. In this case it involves what one does with one’s money. God has supplied the Corinthians with what they need, and they, he hopes, will come to know that “You are blessed to be a blessing to others.”

This is the day the Lord has made.

Let us rejoice and be glad in it.

We will not offer to God

Offerings that cost us nothing.

Spirit of God,

brooding over the waters

of our chaos,

inspire us to

generous living.

Wind of God,

dancing over the desert

of our reluctance,

lead us to the oasis

of celebration.

Breath of God,

inspiring communication

among strangers,

make us channels

of your peace,

that we may give

in deep thankfulness,

placing the overflowing basket

of our gifts

on the table

of rejoicing.

Kate McIlhagga